Solar Vortex

By Kathy Kulig

A devastating solar storm. Lovers from two different worlds. In a race to save humanity, only one realm will survive…  

Royal historian Celia Stanhope thought she was safe living in the luxury underground city of Threshold. But as another deadly solar storm approaches, her brother goes missing on the scorched planet's surface, and she fears for his life. Defying her father's orders, she leaves to warn him, only to run into a handsome ruffian she dares not to trust.
 

Inventor and reluctant spy Ethan Parkes will do anything to help his struggling town survive. Spying on the secret scientific community was the last job he'd ever do, but his people desperately need food and medical supplies. When he meets the stunning beauty from the mysterious city, he's torn between loyalty and love.

Seized by their fierce attraction, they're swept into a passionate liaison, but soon plunge into unexpected trouble. Celia discovers Threshold is targeted for takeover. And Ethan's determined to sabotage the invasion at all costs... even if it means losing her forever…
 

How can he promise her a future if he doesn't know if there will be one at all?
 

Solar Vortex is a standalone futuristic adventure-romance. If you like daring characters, dystopian settings, and a little action in your love stories, you'll adore Kathy Kulig's exhilarating tale.
 

Buy Solar Vortex to discover a burning romance today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Burnt Stilettos Press
• Release date: Jul 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201536411

Kathy Kulig

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Kathy Kulig writes a variety of sexy romances, including paranormal, contemporary, and suspense. Her books can be dark and edgy, passionate and erotically-charged, but there's always a steamy romance and a happy ending. Besides her career in writing, she has worked as a cytotechnologist, research scientist, medical technologist, dive master, bartender and stringer for a newspaper. In her spare time, she can be found mountain biking, traveling, lounging with a good book or having dinner out with her husband. Kathy resides in eastern Pennsylvania.

Book preview

1 Escape

T

he alarm sounded before she reached the exit gate. Celia Stanhope lifted her skirt and clambered up the long, rusted stairway leading to the observation room. Adrenaline pumped through her body and channeled into her legs. The roar in her ears combined with the warning lights made everything in her structured, privileged life—everything she held dear—forever changed.

High in the carved rock ceiling the violet lights flashed, signaling the first stage alert. No one would dare leave Threshold now. To risk exposure on the surface with the approaching solar storm was suicide, but how else could she warn Daniel? Twenty levels below, the citizens of Threshold methodically prepared the city for the storm. Far below the Earth’s surface, they would still experience some effects like power outages.

She still had time to find her brother, several days, a week, maybe two, according to Professor Boodle. Considering women were never permitted to visit the overcities, she wasn’t quite sure how she would locate her brother. Once she made it to the surface, she’d devise a plan. Daniel’s life depended on her, but was she clever enough to do this?

Steam rose through thick, iron grates and coiled around her feet and skirt hem as if it was an entity unto itself. Her brother’s borrowed silk trousers clung to her legs. Wearing men’s clothing was one of many rules she’d be breaking today. The punishments were unthinkable if caught but turning back wasn’t an option.

The catwalk leading to the observation room echoed with the constant drone of the bellows feeding filtered air into her underground world. Swallowing the sulfur and trepidation lacing her tongue, she brushed back the damp curls clinging to her cheeks and steeled her nerves to cross the open grate walkway. She had ten, maybe eight minutes before the watchman made his next rounds, but she couldn’t count on that.

When she pushed through the observation room doors, the old hinges creaked but gave way easier than she’d expected. It was a small room, a long-forgotten place, once used as a viewing port to the outside world. The people of Threshold had come here for a glimpse of what they’d left behind. Now that the outside world was mostly desolate and Threshold was luxurious, rarely did anyone feel the need to come here.

Moans and grunts echoed from the front row bench. Celia froze. Who was in here and what chance did she have to open the gate and leave now? Holding her breath, she moved toward the massive iron gate at the far wall. The man and woman were naked and completely oblivious to her presence. Celia had a perfect view as his muscular ass flexed and tightened as he slammed into her. His balls swayed and slapped against his woman’s bottom. She wrapped her legs and arms around his body and groaned.

Watching them made her wonder if she’d ever felt that level of abandon. The awakening desire set her off balance. Her body and mind weren’t thinking clearly. Waiting for them to finish could take hours which she didn’t have and opening the gate would alert them. Would they dare try to stop the baron’s daughter?

The woman’s hand slapped his ass. Celia jumped. The crazed woman did it again with her other hand, then giggled. The man drove into her harder and faster. He liked it. Pink flushed his white bottom. Is that all you got? he asked.

She slapped him harder, leaving a red mark on his bottom. Celia’s nipples tightened as the woman struck him again. Better? she asked.

Yes, he groaned.

Celia gasped. She knew this man. Her cousin!

Fuck me, the girlfriend cried out. Which one, Celia couldn’t tell who. He had several acquaintances. Make me come. I’m not leaving here until you’ve made me come twice. She shrieked and Celia guessed the woman got her wish. Was it her first or second?

A wave of heat flowed through Celia and her body felt damp, everywhere. Her fiancé never made love to her like that. Even his kisses were cold and held no passion. Once the baron made up his mind in his choice of suitors, Celia had little hope of changing it. An even better reason to leave and bring Daniel back. Maybe he could talk sense to her father and break the engagement.

Backing away from the benches, Celia approached the locking mechanism for the gate and dropped her satchel. She retrieved the piece of paper stuffed inside her corset containing the code and punched the numbers into the lock, fully aware of breaking another rule—women may not touch mechanical devices.

Celia! What the hell are you doing here?

Jerking around, Celia glared at her cousin Luke Porter, standing naked in the middle of the room, his hard cock jutting straight out. Marta Atkins scrambled to gather her clothing. Celia covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. The woman’s fleshy breasts blushed as pink as her cheeks. The talented seamstress always exhibited her wares by dressing like a noblewoman. At the moment she looked more like a trollop.

Leaving. I’m going out to find Daniel before the storm hits. Don’t let me disturb you. Picking up her satchel, Celia raised her chin in her regal pose, then turned her back on them. She knew their secret now. They wouldn’t dare try to stop her.

Celia! Luke fastened his trousers and strode to her. Stop. You can’t, and where did you get the code?

Daniel. She attempted to hide her grin. The baron’s son was one of the few people who possessed secret codes and locks for various restricted rooms in Threshold.

Luke made a face. You could talk your brother into any number of indiscretions, but he’s not here and this is a bad idea.

The metal clanged and the gate rattled and squealed along a track. The gate disappeared into the rock wall.

She stopped breathing when a cool breeze chilled her skin. Her nose twitched at the mixture of earthy scents from air not recycled or filtered. Beyond the small balcony, the vastness of the new world made her head spin.

The view silenced them all. Citizens of Threshold rarely saw the outer world, and only a few on the council were permitted to leave for brief visits with the overcities.

Mountains, forests and grassy plains expanded before her, illuminated by an infinitely wide twilight sky. Focusing on one area at a time, she viewed the vastness methodically, scientifically as if she was working a project with Professor Boodle. She even forced herself to take one step forward, but her head spun, and she had to glance at the floor. She must do this. She had to go outside.

Then remembering her father’s warning about the surface dwellers, her stomach tightened. Scrapers were out there—the ruffians who lived in the overcities. Glancing up again, she swayed, dizzy and disoriented by the openness.

Celia, you can’t leave, Luke pleaded. The storm alarms.

The professor said the worst of it won’t start for at least a week. There’s time. What if Daniel doesn’t know?

Red and green flashes of light shimmered across the sky. The intense aurora borealis was visible even in the twilight sky. The professor used the aurora as a guide for his predictions about the storm’s timing.

Pressing her hand to her heaving chest, she took several deep breaths. How could she possibly go out there? She often viewed the surface through the Professor’s telescope, but nothing had prepared her for this.

She stomped her foot. What was wrong with her? There was no time to linger over her squeamish state. She had to move. Luke and Marta had delayed her enough.

A hand touched her shoulder. Celia, don’t go, please. Daniel’s fine, Luke said in a brotherly tone. He’ll be back in time.

A lump formed in her throat, and she forced a smile for Luke, then shook her head. No, something’s wrong. He’s never late. And he promised to be back months ago in time for my wedding.

Yes, your wedding. Marta perked up. Does Chauncey know you’re leaving?

Celia gave her the look she usually reserved for her younger sister when she was misbehaving.

I don’t suppose he does, Marta said with a disapproving tone, then turned around to slip on her dress. And I’m sure you won’t miss him while you’re gone.

Marta, Luke exclaimed.

Groaning, Celia forced herself to step onto the balcony. Hands shaking, she gulped breaths of cool air. This was much harder than she’d expected but getting far away from Chauncey Letchford would make it easier.

The observation deck jutted out from the middle of a steep mountain. The distance to the top of the mountain appeared to be about a hundred yards.

Luke wandered out and examined the precipice. No way are you going to make that climb.

Sure I will. Daniel and I climb the rock walls in the recreation center all the time, and without safety harnesses. This is no different. It was different. The distance was higher and the drop to the bottom was much farther. The consequences of slipping would be deadly—but if she didn’t find her brother, he’d die in the storm. Her stomach clenched at the thought of him trapped in an overcity during a solar storm.

She unfastened her skirt and let it drop to a satiny pool at her feet.

What are you doing? Luke asked, looking horrified at her discarded skirt and the men’s trousers she wore. He grabbed her arm.

Let go. She jerked her arm out of his grasp. Daniel’s trousers will make the climb easier. She stuffed the skirt into her satchel and hooked the bag crosswise over one shoulder, then adjusted her corset and jacket.

Won’t you be punished? Marta asked.

I’m the baron’s daughter.

Marta rolled her eyes. In reality, Celia would be punished as severely as any other citizen. Celia crossed to the locking mechanism, punched in the code to close the gate then rushed to the balcony. The doors slowly began to grind close.

Celia, God, no. Don’t! Luke said. Daniel would kill me.

Do you want to go instead? Celia knew the answer.

I...I would if I could. I can’t leave my job or Marta.

Marta has a husband.

Luke winced at that. I’ll be fine, she said. I won’t be gone long. She hoped she was right. The gate slammed shut.

She stared at the door. From this side it looked like rock, blending into the mountain face as perfect camouflage. She stuffed the paper with the code numbers in her satchel. The keypad to open the gate was hidden beside the balcony ledge. When she returned, getting back in would not be easy. Securing her hat, she began her climb.

Grabbing a rock or tree root, she pulled herself up the slope, little by little, and tried not to think about falling. When she was almost at the top, she stopped and took a break. She was going to make this. How brave Daniel would think she was.

A shushing sound came from somewhere above. She’d read records in the archives that the aurora was known for making swishing or crackling sounds like static.

The noise quieted and she concentrated on her climb. Several bits of gravel rained down on her. Her boots slipped and she began to slide. Kicking her feet frantically, she searched for leverage. Her body slipped down a couple feet. Arms swinging out, she thrashed, reaching for something to stop her fall. Then one foot landed securely on solid stone and she pushed, regaining the distance lost. Bloody hell.

Celia cringed. How clumsy of her. She had to focus, or the rescue would quickly end permanently.

Taking a deep breath, she rested her head on her forearm while she got her nerve back. Again, she felt for a handhold but found none. Fatigue strained her muscles and joints to the limit. More loose pebbles tumbled down around her. Damn it. She wasn’t that far from the top.

The swishing sound returned, louder. She stopped climbing and held her breath.

What she heard wasn’t the aurora.

A distinct crunch of boots approached the ledge then stopped only a few feet above her.

She froze.

Without warning, strong, rough hands clamped around her wrists and dragged her over the edge.

2 Friend or Foe

C

elia screamed, but didn’t dare try to wrench her arms free or she’d fall to her death. The man yanked her over the top of the ledge and onto level ground. Once she got her feet under her, she twisted her body, trying to jab him with an elbow, a fist, a knee. All her brother’s fight lessons tore through each punch.

Stop struggling, will you, or we’ll both fall. The man was big, taller than most in Threshold. He spun her around with his hand painfully clamped onto her wrist. Brass goggles covered his eyes, and a slouch hat shaded his face. He wore a long coat made from a smooth, black material she didn’t recognize with crisscross belts and buckles. Several objects dangled from straps. Never had she seen such a coat in Threshold.

Let go of me! She jerked her arms free, then smoothed her pants and brushed off the dust. Fighting this man would be useless. He could easily knock her down with a sweep of his arm. What do you think you’re doing?

Hey, hey, hey. Easy there. The man leaned on one leg in a casual manner. How did you slip over the edge.

I didn’t. I was climbing up. And I didn’t need help.

When he pulled his goggles down to his neck, his gray-blue eyes scrutinized her with a purposeful stare. She guessed he was about Daniel’s age, thirty, or close to it. Arms crossed, he narrowed his gaze, first studying her then glancing at the edge of the cliff. He shook his head. Climbed up? From where?

Ignoring him, she stepped away, then noticed the silhouettes of buildings in the distance. Is that the town of Victory? Getting to town was her priority, and even though this man intrigued her, he was an inconvenience she didn’t need right now.

You got that right, ma’am. He frowned. It’s the only town for a hundred miles.

Oh. She took a moment to breathe as the difficulty of her task stirred fear inside. Daniel’s business was in Chilbridge, not Victory. She had no idea these overcities were so far apart. Well, then I don’t have time to waste.

Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you, he said, holding up a hand.

Well, that’s a comfort. Scrapers couldn’t be trusted, and he had to be one. Her father had said they were all savages. What are you doing out here so far from town? she asked, raising her chin.

He stifled a laugh. Surveying for the mining company. And you?

I, umm, I’m on my way to town.

Really?

Yes, I have business there.

He nodded, still smiling. He was gorgeous in a rugged kind of way. Her father would certainly object to his casual manner. Normally, it would’ve offended her too, but she couldn’t help her fascination. He was a surface dweller. Her first, and he didn’t look like a ruffian.

He continued to stare at her. Oh my, feeling self-conscious about wearing her brother’s pants. Which explained why he was staring. Something fluttered low in her belly. Her gaze drifted to his mouth and she wondered how well he’d kiss. Good, no doubt. Very good. She hadn’t had a really good kiss since John and that was over a year ago. A good fuck too. Chauncey didn’t care for sex. No wonder she fantasized about it so much. Heat flushed her face and neck and much lower where she didn’t want to think about. The fluttering in her belly changed to deep throbbing between her thighs. Even her brother would think her foolish if she admitted her attraction to a scraper.

How dare he look at her with those...those...eyes, dark and hiding something forbidden? The men in Threshold wouldn’t be so rude. The sharp slant of his eyebrows and chiseled features hinted at his aggressiveness. Was she in trouble here?

What kind of business? Perhaps I can direct you. Like a predator he glanced around without turning his head. Dark-brown hair stuck out beneath his black hat. Under the jacket, vest and white work shirt were wide shoulders and a muscular body. Did all scrappers look like as fine as he? Are you alone?

She didn’t have to answer his questions. She almost said—yes. Wanting to admit, even brag a little, why yes, she could indeed handle these business dealings alone. Instead, she stared him down without an answer. Behind him, several yards away, stood the oddest contraption. A vehicle of sorts, but none she had on file in her archives. It had two wheels, two seats and two giant arms that stretched out, reminding her of bat wings.

Before she had a chance to ask the man about it, a bird shrieked overhead, and she glanced up. The earth shifted under her feet and she fell backward.

He caught her before she hit the ground. What happened? she asked. Did the ground move? How could it do that? Was there an earthquake?

Chuckling, he helped her to her feet and held onto her arms. No earthquake. I think you got dizzy.

Dizzy? I don’t get dizzy. All I did was look up. She tried glancing at the sky, to watch the aurora. Her chest tightened and a wave of nausea hit her.

I suggest you don’t do that for a while, ma’am. He placed his hand under her elbow to support her.

A breeze blew her hair into her face. Reaching up to brush back strands, she grabbed the top of her head and cried out. My hat. It’s gone. She turned around and raced toward the ledge. Behind her she heard the crunch of his boots.

When she got to the cliff edge to peer over, an arm hooked around her waist and roughly hauled her back. Are you mad, woman? The rocks are loose at the edge. You could slip. You get one rescue a day, that’s all.

Rescue? Is that what you were doing by dragging me up those rocks?

He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again.

I was doing just fine. I only had a few more feet to go. If you hadn’t grabbed me, I wouldn’t have lost my hat.

He scrunched up his face. Your hat, he spat out.

She raised her chin. Yes, it was a gift from my parents and had a real macaw feather. Macaws are rare.

His eyebrows rose. You’re from Threshold?

She nodded.

He stared at her with a hint of a smile. Damnation. What are you doing out here?

She didn’t dare explain about the solar storm or she might never find her brother. No telling what these people would do in a crisis. It’s complicated.

I’d expect that. He smiled wide then and touched the brim of his hat. Ethan Parkes, ma’am. How d’you do?

She didn’t respond at first, but realized she had no reason to hide who she was. Celia Stanhope.

Stanhope? As in Baron Edward Stanhope?

My father.

Great, he said with an edge of sarcasm. What’s gone wrong down there?

What makes you think something is wrong? She wasn’t about to tell this man all her business, only enough to help her find Daniel.

Haven’t heard of a woman leaving Threshold in two hundred years. The objects hanging from his jacket clanged together as he shifted. There must be something wrong.

She ignored his comment. Why do you have tools hanging from your coat? she asked, deciding it was time to change the subject. Why don’t you use a toolbox?

He glanced down and pulled a screwdriver out on a stretchy cord, then released it. It snapped right back into place. Never know when you might need a tool and a tool box won’t be handy.

She wasn’t sure what he meant but didn’t ask. She was no longer in the protection of Threshold. She didn’t know the rules of this new environment. Yet, there was a tug of attraction to this man. She couldn’t figure out why. She never felt that tug with Chauncey.

She thought about Luke and Marta’s sexual escapades earlier, then imagined Ethan doing the same with her. Her stomach dipped and not from the thought of falling off the cliff. This man’s mouth kept moving and she was thinking about Ethan half naked, loving her in ways John once did. An ache tore through her. She missed him.

Ethan frowned, grasped her hand and examined her elbow.

She jerked, trying to pull away.

Take it easy. You’re bleeding. Retrieving a handkerchief from his vest pocket, he dabbed at the blood.

Oh, don’t bother. It’s just a scratch.

Hang on. He jogged to the strange machine and retrieved something from a container behind one of the seats.

What is that? she asked. She noticed for the first time the rifle slung over his shoulder. The sight of the weapon only made her realize how foolish she was to go on this adventure.

"The Breezy. I invented it." He seemed quite pleased about that. He returned with a bottle and cotton gauze.

What does it do?

He laughed. It flies. He splashed the clear solution on the gauze and reached for her arm again.

Really? The thought of going in the air took her breath away. You must be mad. When he brought the gauze to her skin, she flinched and stepped back, holding her hand protectively to her chest.

This will stop the bleeding and prevent infection. He grabbed her hand again.

She looked closer at his machine. How does it work?

He grinned at her. It’s complicated.

She rolled her eyes. He applied pressure until the bleeding stopped, then secured the bandage.

Better?

She nodded, glancing at his handy work. His magnetic smile sent shivers over her skin. Are you a doctor? Still tired from the climb, her legs wobbled.

No. Inventor and Guild Leader.

Interesting. And confusing. Guild Leader?

I’m in charge of trade for the townsfolk of Victory.

Sounds like an important job.

A pointless and discouraging job when others impede your work.

And you’re a surveyor. You work for a mining company. My, you have many jobs.

Hmmm. He frowned.

She searched for an escape, but she was surrounded by forest and mountains on one side and the cliff on the other. This excursion wasn’t very well thought out. The town was a good long walk away, and she was sure she couldn’t outrun him. I should head to town now. Thank you for the bandage. She started to walk but