Alliance: Part One: A Box Set

By Jambrea Jo Jones

FROM POPULAR AUTHOR OF GAY ROMANCE, JAMBREA JO JONES

Alliance: Part One a box set

1 Retribution Retribution: Is love worth the cost?

2 Salvation Salvation: Can three people save each other?

3 Freedom Who knew being bad could be so good?

A government agency isn't a place you'd expect to find love.

Not all are soldiers, but the Alliance has a long arm and touches many lives.

The Galaxy may just be big enough for espionage, murder, science and honour among men.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Apr 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781839430374

Jambrea Jo Jones

Jambrea wanted to be the youngest romance author published, but life impeded the dreams. She put her writing aside and went to college briefly, then enlisted in the Air Force. After serving in the military, she returned home to Indiana to start her family. A few years later, she discovered yahoo groups and book reviews. There was no turning back. She was bit by the writing bug. She enjoys spending time with her son when not writing and loves to receive reader feedback. She's addicted to the internet so feel free to email her anytime.

Book preview

Author

Pride Publishing books by Jambrea Jo Jones

Single Books

Wishing Star

Tell Me Now

Rayne’s Wild Ride

Playing With Fire

The Billionaire’s Bribe

Alliance

Retribution

Salvation

Freedom

Reward

Annihilation

Avenger

Collections

Saddle Up N Ride: A Fistful of Emmett

Stealing My Heart: Stealing Michael

Totally Five Star: Vegas Sin

Anthologies

Unconventional at Best: Operation: Get Spencer

Unconventional in Atlanta: Where Tomorrow Shines

An Unconventional Chicago: Love Don’t Die

Unconventional in San Diego: Blood on the Moon

Unconventional in Kansas City: Playing with Fire

Stand to Attention: On the Home Front

I Need a Hero: Saving the Day

ALLIANCE: PART ONE

Retribution

Salvation

Freedom

JAMBREA JO JONES

Alliance: Part One

ISBN # 978-1-83943-037-4

©Copyright Jambrea Jo Jones 2017

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright August 2017

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2020 by Pride Publishing, United Kingdom.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.

Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

RETRIBUTION

Book one in the Alliance series

Retribution: Is love worth the cost?

Rave Anders lost everything—his job, his lover, and part of his soul. Accused of a crime he didn’t commit, it’s taken him years to build up a respectable intergalactic transport business. Pulled into a web of intrigue and espionage, Rave is forced to face ex-lover Kain Sims, the one man he no longer trusts.

On a mission for the Alliance, Kain must convince Rave the fate of a world rests in both their hands. Kain needs Rave to help to destroy a deadly weapon before it can be used to eradicate a planet. But that’s the easy part; the hard part is making Rave believe he never wanted to leave him in the first place.

Can they save a world and reclaim the love they once shared, in a galaxy of deception?

Dedication

Joy, thank you for always being there for me whenever I need you. I’m a better writer because of you. Your friendship means the world to me. Rhonda, thank you for all of your support. It is for people like you that I write. Your encouragement touches my heart.

Trademark Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction:

Boy Scouts: Boy Scouts of America Corporation

Prologue

Commander Rave Anders, a panel of your peers has found you guilty of theft of government property. You are hereby dishonorably discharged and sentenced to thirty days on the penal colony Devil’s Island.

Rave fell to his seat in disbelief as the panel left the room. Just like that, his military career was gone, like so much smoke. Most would think that was the worst thing, but it wasn’t. The worst was Rave’s lover, Kain, couldn’t be found.

A hand landed on his shoulder. He turned, hoping to see Kain. His stomach sank when he saw his friend Sela instead.

It’s no use, Rave. It’s as if he’s disappeared. His parents don’t know where he is either. I’m sorry.

He rested his head in his hands. I can’t believe it, Sela. He’s out there somewhere, hurt. He’d be here if he was able.

Rave peered up at Sela and saw the guards approaching behind her. He didn’t think he could do this, but the choice had been taken from him. He still couldn’t figure out how it had happened.

I’ll do what I can to find him, Rave.

He gave a sharp nod and turned to follow the guards to the pod waiting to take him to Devil’s Island, his thoughts in turmoil. How would he survive the next thirty days? Being in the military put a target on his back and Devil’s Island was one of the worst prison colonies in the universe. His heart ached at the thought of Kain, alone and hurt while he could do nothing about it. Nothing really mattered if Kain wasn’t safe. A lot could happen in thirty days. Not just to him, but to Kain as well. The guard shoved him into the craft and shackled him to the seat.

After all the criminals had been processed, the ship started the journey to Devil’s Island, taking him farther away from Kain.

Hey, you’s that military thief? Yep, you is. You’s the guy whose got fucked up the ass, but then, I hear ya like that, don’t ya? The passenger beside him snickered. I’m sure you’ll get plenty of action on DI.

Rave leaned over and yanked him close enough that he could smell the man’s putrid breath. Shut the fuck up.

Great, if this piece of shit knew who he was, he might not survive the next thirty days. Word was sure to get around that someone from the Alliance was on DI. He’d be dead before the week was out if he wasn’t careful.

No need to gets with the rough stuff. I ain’t after that pretty ass, the man mumbled as Rave shoved him back into his seat.

Rave closed his eyes to block out the upcoming nightmare. He had two hours to devise a plan that would keep him from getting killed while being detained. He had a lover to find.

One step at a time.

His thoughts drifted. What happened?

That question played over and over in his mind. One minute, Kain had left the ship. The next, the Alliance had boarded and arrested Rave. Two days before the ship had docked, the crew had conducted an inventory and those government boxes hadn’t been there. He’d seen that with his own eyes. Then the Alliance had appeared, and suddenly, there the boxes had sat, pretty as you please. Something wasn’t adding up.

Rave didn’t do suspicion. He placed his faith in all his crew and expected their trust in return. Up until he’d been arrested that had worked for him. Now, something had happened. He hadn’t put those boxes there. Kain had never given him a reason not to trust him. Hell, Rave loved the man. He couldn’t love a traitor, could he? But…he had left. It seemed…convenient.

Focus, Damn it! Worry about now.

The force of takeoff glued him to the seat. He swallowed then bit his lip. He wasn’t prepared, not really. All the training in the world couldn’t prepare a person for a prison colony—an open world full of the worst criminals in the universe. He couldn’t figure out why the Alliance wanted to send him to a maximum security planet. He should have been shipped off to one of the minimum-security colonies. He was a decorated officer and, even if he had done it, it was a first offence. Nothing made sense anymore.

When the flight smoothed out, Rave forced himself to relax. He had to get some sleep. He wouldn’t get much on DI. Rave prayed he would wake from this nightmare, wrapped in the comfort of Kain’s arms, ready for their morning romp.

Kain, where are you?

Chapter One

Rave was staring at the vast space in front of him when a ship invaded the beautiful blackness of the universe.

"What is he doing here?" Rave wondered aloud.

"The same as us, I’m sure. This is a refueling planet."

Rave jumped. He hadn’t expected an answer. He shifted in his chair to face his first mate.

Sela, I thought you were on planet.

And miss this show? You’ve got to be kidding. I want a front row seat. Got any snacks?

Rave stood. He didn’t need any reminders of the man who’d walked out on him and taken Rave’s career and heart with him when he’d left.

Since you’re done with leave, you can take over the coms. I’ll be in my quarters.

Running, sir?

He answered with a flip of his finger then left the control room. Sela knew the score between him and Kain. Rave wouldn’t dwell on it. The Retribution would be in port until morning. He could avoid the traitor for one night.

The computer’s musical voice stopped his movement. Captain Anders, we’re being hailed. Would you like to receive the call here or will you take it on the main deck?

He strode to a panel in the hull to answer. Who’s trying to contact the ship?

Commander Kain Sims. The call is marked urgent.

Of course it is, Rave sighed. Patch him through.

He didn’t want to take the call at all, but he couldn’t refuse a member of the Alliance. He was lucky they’d granted him the right to own a ship. Still, they waited for him to make one wrong move so they could take that away, too. Right now, the ship was all he had left and he wasn’t going to let them take it away from him too. Not this time. Now he wanted nothing to do with the Alliance unless forced to. Like now. Fuckers.

Anders.

Captain Anders, permission to board?

Do I have a choice? Rave braced his arm against the hull. He didn’t want to see Kain ever again. It was just his luck to be on the same planet as him.

No.

I’ll meet you on the main deck. Rave released the com to end the call.

Dread pooled in his stomach. He’d managed to avoid Kain for a while now. Why had he shown up now, here? Anger began to replace the dread.

Sorry, Rave, I tried to divert the call, Sela murmured as he entered the bridge.

Not your fault. Why don’t you go to your cabin? No sense in both of us being here.

Are you sure you don’t want me to run interference?

It’s better if you don’t witness this. I’m not sure if I can hold my temper, and someone will have to captain the ship if I get hauled in. We have cargo to pick up on Seid II.

Sela left, and Rave wished he could follow her.

Stop being a pussy. You’re over him.

If he was so over Kain, why did his heart speed up at the very sight of the tall man striding toward him? Why did he drool when he glanced into Kain’s emerald-green eyes and want to run his hands through the man’s black hair? Now his body betrayed him.

Rave stood rooted to the spot as if the anti-gravity locks held him in place. He made Kain come to him.

Commander. Rave inclined his head, taking in the new lines etched on Kain’s face.

Rave— Kain struggled with his words.

He shouldn’t have been so happy to see how hard it was for Kain to speak to him, but he was. Rave cocked his eyebrow at the informality, trying to ignore the tingles running through his body hearing his name coming from Kain’s lips. Is there a reason you’re on my ship, two years too late?

Shit, why did I say that? Damn it. And why does he look so good?

Yes, but I don’t have time to go into it. You’re going to have to trust me, Kain pleaded.

Trust you? That’s classic. Answer my question, why now? Rave wasn’t going to give Kain an inch no matter how much the man’s voice affected his libido.

The Alliance needs you. Kain’s voice sounded stronger now.

Fuck the Alliance and fuck your cryptic bullshit.

Kain ran a hand through his hair, betraying his frustration. Well, screw him.

They’re calling you back to service, the man whispered, almost as if he didn’t want the words to be spoken.

"No fucking way. They court-martialed me!" Anger pulsed through him.

The Alliance might be the governing body, but calling him back to service? That was a load of horse shit. They’d put him through the something no innocent man should go through.

No, they didn’t.

Rave couldn’t have heard that right. He shook his head to clear it. There was no way the Alliance could fuck up his life again. He stayed out of their way and, for the most part they stayed out of his. What?

You were never court-martialed. They staged the whole event. No one told me about it until after it had happened. That day—

Stop. Rave held up his hand. Tell me why they staged something that ruined my life then get off my ship.

He clenched his hands at his side, proud at how calm he sounded because inside he was seething. He’d dreamed of confronting Kain with the betrayal he felt. How could the man he loved disappear, only to show up again working for the very system that sent an innocent man to one of the worst prisons in the universe? What he hadn’t expected was how hard his dick would get in Kain’s presence. The attraction still held strong, but it was lust, no way could he still love the man in front of him.

I had no—

Don’t finish that sentence. I want to hear about my ‘call’ to service. There was only so far his calm could go. The rage building in him would explode soon. He was pissed at himself for still feeling attracted to the handsome man before him. He should be repulsed by Kain’s very presence.

The Alliance wanted you to get your own ship and set up a trade route. They hoped their enemies would contact you. Once you were established, they planned to bring you into service so you could take down the smugglers.

"And someone couldn’t have told me this?" What a load of bullshit. Did the Alliance arrogance know no bounds? I would have gone undercover. Before I realized what a chump I was, I would have done anything for the Alliance. His head ached and his emotions tangled inside him. He didn’t expect to feel hurt, but he did. His life had been the Alliance and Kain before he’d been ripped from his world on a whim and they’d both betrayed him.

There’s a leak. No one knows how far up it goes. Right before you were taken into custody, someone murdered Commander Roth. He’d been undercover for a couple of months. The Alliance needed it to be real for this to work. Only a few people could know.

So, why did they send you? Rave couldn’t keep the anger out of his voice this time.

We didn’t hide the fact that we were a couple. The Alliance kept me away from you. They told me you’d die if I contacted you before they were ready. I wanted—

Rave wasn’t going to listen to this shit. He couldn’t care about what Kain wanted. Not now. His emotions were already on edge. You have to leave. Now. Before I either kill him or fuck him. Shit.

I can’t. Kain sounded pained.

What do you mean, ‘you can’t’. This had gone far enough.

My ship has been impounded. The minute I stepped onto your cruiser, I became a target. The official word is you’ve kidnapped me.

I see. He didn’t really, Rave was pissed almost beyond words and couldn’t understand why he got the shit end of the whole deal. The whole thing sounded convoluted. "So it’s okay for you to go undercover, but I had to be lied to." None of it made sense.

"No. The official word is also that you’ve taken me hostage. The truth is I’ve walked out of the Alliance…to find you, to finally tell you the truth. This was my first chance to get to you."

Rave grabbed for his chair and fell into it. He couldn’t believe what Kain had told him. Could it be true? Had he lived a lie for the last two years? Shock reverberated through his body. Maybe Kain hadn’t deserted him after all. Rave crushed such thoughts. No, the man before him had to be following orders, no matter what he might be saying. And what truth could Kain possibly have for him?

Kain took in the pain and disbelief on Rave’s face. He’d put it there, with the help of the Alliance. Kain wanted to soothe it away, but it wasn’t his place anymore no matter how much he wanted it to be. I told them the kidnapping plan wouldn’t work. Damn it, I need this to work.

His thoughts on the matter were never taken into consideration, one more reason to leave the Alliance behind for good.

He ached to cradle Rave. Their time apart had felt like a lifetime. Rave had changed—he’d bulked up. Kain could see the muscles ripple when he gripped the chair. Rave’s brown eyes flashed from anger to shock and pain before the wall came back up. Then his gaze held determination. His body hadn’t been the only thing to change. Rave’s face had a steely quality. Kain missed the smiling man from the past. The only thing really that had stayed the same was Rave’s short military haircut. Kain took a step forward, wanting to run his hands through his old love’s hair, but Rave’s glare stopped him. The hurt in the man’s eyes made his heart twinge. He’d put that look there, whether he’d intended to or not.

Kain swallowed and moved forward to stand in front of Rave despite the frown marring that beautiful face. Before he could halt his movement, Kain caressed Rave’s cheek. He almost lost it when Rave closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. Kain fell to his knees in front of Rave, grabbed his ex-lover’s head in his hands then took his mouth in a kiss. Rave stiffened, but Kain didn’t let him think. He licked Rave’s lips until they opened for him. He heard a groan, but he wasn’t sure if he’d made the sound or if Rave had as Kain poured every ounce of the loss from the last two years into that kiss.

Rave thrust him away and left his chair. The shock of the ship’s metal-grate flooring smacking his ass surprised Kain. He pressed his fingers to his lips, the taste of Rave still lingering, as he glanced up at the angry face of his former lover.

Fuck you, Kain! You can’t waltz in here after all this time and expect me to fall all over you. Rave wiped his hand over his mouth as if rubbing off the kiss.

Kain bowed his head. What did you expect? Going into this situation, he’d known it would be difficult. A dull crash reverberated through the room, and he lifted his head. His jaw dropped. Rave’s fist had made a dent in the wall.

Kain jumped to his feet. Are you okay?

Stay away from me, Kain. I’m not going to tell you again.

I’m sor—

I really don’t want to hear your apologies. Rave turned to glare at him.

Kain stepped back at the hatred in Rave’s eyes. He’d changed in the years they’d been away from each other. Rave had become what the Alliance had wanted him to be—a cutthroat trader.

Will you do it? He hated the weak tone of his voice, but if he had to beg, he just might.

The laugh that echoed around the bridge caused Kain to cringe.

Brilliant, just brilliant. I have no loyalty to you or the Alliance. Why should I help? Give me one good reason.

Melanie. Putting Rave’s sister’s name out there would give the man pause. He hadn’t changed enough not to care about family.

Rave clenched his jaw and closed his eyes. Explain yourself. Now.

Kain knew the calmness in Rave’s voice hid the anger racing through him. He reached into his uniform to pull out a vid stick, which he tossed to Rave.

The cargo you’re picking up on Seid II is a T-15K Laser. Kain nodded toward the stick in Rave’s hands. Watch the test if you don’t believe me. It’s a planet killer. The Royalists are using you to smuggle it to the New Moon colony. They plan on launching it in two weeks to show the Alliance that they’re ready to take over.

How do I know this isn’t another fucking trick?

I wish it were. But it isn’t. If we don’t stop this, Melanie and New Moon will be dead.

What’s to stop me from taking her off planet?

Nothing, but I know you, Rave. You may have changed some, but there’s no way you’ll let a whole planet of innocent people die because you’re pissed off.

The alarms on the Retribution blared.

The computer-generated voice cut through the noise. "Captain, an Alliance ship has locked weapons on the Retribution."

We have to leave, Rave. Now.

Why? Just tell them you’re on board. Plus, my crew is still on planet.

What you don’t understand is not everyone is aware of the plan. We need to keep on schedule, and getting detained here is not an option. Is anyone on board? He rushed through his explanation.

Just Sela. Rave sounded put out.

"Damn it, we need to get her off ship. The two of us should be able to man the Retribution. Your crew would be safer out of this anyway." He needed to get Rave away from port before something else went wrong. He wouldn’t put it past the Alliance to change plans mid-mission.

Goddamn it, Kain. So help me god, if this is another trick and I end up going back to prison, I will kill you. Rave hurried to the com. Sela, get your ass to the bridge. Rave turned to him. Are you planning on standing there or helping?

Kain appropriated the pilot’s seat to plot the course to Seid II, with a stopover at the New Moon colony. If he did nothing else, he would make sure Rave’s sister stayed safe. He’d already done enough to hurt the man he loved. He wouldn’t risk his family, too.

Well, what do we have here? How have you been, you bastard?

Kain looked over his shoulder at his cousin, Sela. I’ve had better days. You have five seconds to get your ass off this ship, and your time started three seconds ago. Go.

What the fuck did you two do? She went to the computer and punched some keys on the dash. And, I’m not leaving, so get over yourself. I don’t take orders from you anymore.

Same old Sela. At least somethings didn’t change.

Long story, cuz. Since you’re staying, how about we talk after we’re airborne? Buckle up. I have the coordinates locked in.

The computer broke through. Captain Anders, the port authority is hailing us.

Computer, block all calls and initiate take off procedures.

Yes, sir.

Kain, engage auto. Lock it on my mark. Mark.

It felt like old times—the three of them, working in harmony. Kain had missed this, but he knew it wouldn’t last. Once they were out of orbit, Rave would remember he hated him. Two years had been too long, but Kain would do whatever was necessary to keep Rave in his life. He couldn’t lose him again. And the Alliance wasn’t going to stop him, this time.

Damn the Alliance and their schemes. He hadn’t signed up for this. If it wasn’t for Rave, he’d have said, fuck you very much and resigned. He took a moment to watch Rave in action. The man knew his way around a ship. Kain wished Rave would touch him with half the reverence he showed the metal heap hurtling them through space.

I’ll win him back. I have to.

Chapter Two

"The Retribution has left port, sir."

Thank you, Ensign Hart. Retract weapons and set a course for Seid II. Patch me through to Commander General Fritz. I’ll take the call in my quarters.

Commander Seth Davidson headed to his living quarters, glad that the mission would be over soon. For two years, he’d been on call for the day Rave Anders would kidnap Kain Sims. Now, he could kill two birds with one stone, as the old saying went.

Being a double agent required finesse. The Royalists paid him for his information, and the price would double with the deaths of Anders and Sims. Now, he had to pacify Fritz. Why the man thought anyone would believe a boy scout like Anders would steal from the government was beyond him and the Royalists. Of course, it had worked in his favor. If everything went as planned, Seth would soon be on Earth III spending money he’d earned from the Royalists.

As he entered his room, his com beeped. He sat on his bunk and answered the call. Good evening, General Fritz.

Why are you bothering me at home, Commander Davidson?

"Commander Sims is aboard the Retribution, sir."

A little ahead of schedule, isn’t he? General Fritz inquired.

I’m not sure, sir. Seth hated reporting to this moron. He was above this and soon, he’d be in charge and the fool of a general would be gone.

Did you set a course to follow?

Yes, sir. We are on our way to Seid II as I speak. As soon as Anders picks up the cargo, we’ll arrest him and confiscate the weapon.

Good, good. I’ll put the kidnapping on the wire. We have those Royalist bastards right where we want them. Once we bring Anders in, we can clear his name, and he’ll be indebted to us.

The old kook was off his rocker. Did he really believe the bullshit he dished out?

Yes, sir.

Keep me posted.

Yes, sir. The communication ended.

Computer, switch to classified mode and contact Jefferson Peters.

Please confirm clearance code.

S-D-two-five-two-five-eight-nine Charlie two.

Code confirmed.

Peters, the Royalist commander answered.

"Jefferson, the mission is a go. Anders and Sims are aboard the Retribution, heading your way. Do you have the fake T-15K Laser in place?"

Thank you, Seth. Everything is set on our end. Once I have confirmation of their deaths, your accounts will be credited. What’s your ETA?

We dock tomorrow at twenty hundred hours.

Don’t contact me again until your mission is complete. Jefferson ended the transmission.

Seth waited a moment before contacting the computer. Computer, erase last transmission from your data port.

Please confirm delete code.

S-D-two-five-two-five-eight-nine Delta one.

Communication deleted.

He lay on his bunk, savoring the thought of killing the lovers and being paid to do it. He wanted to do it himself, face to face. They wouldn’t see it coming. And when Earth went boom, he’d be laughing on sunny Earth III, counting the money and enjoying some down time before his promotion. Fitz would be the fall guy. Win-win. The fools at the Alliance thought New Moon would be targeted—as if the Royalists would obliterate a nobody planet on Zep prime. He would ride out the shift of power over the galaxy and land on top.

He fell asleep with a smile on his face.

* * * *

Sela, please show your cousin to a bunk. I’ll take the bridge.

Ra—

No, Kain. Go with Sela.

Kain got up from the pilot seat. He glanced over his shoulder at Rave before he followed Sela down the corridor to the sleeping cabins. His shoulders slumped. He shouldn’t get discouraged, but the wall around Rave seemed too strong to break through. If the man would give him a small sign, it would make Kain feel better, but Rave showed no signs of cracking.

"You really fucked up this time,