Sacaren: Sky Warriors, #2

By Sadie Carter

Frankie Ricci grew up in a household of men. She could change her own tire, fix a leaking faucet and she wasn't afraid of squishing a spider, so what did she need a man for? Well, sure there was that. But so far, Frankie had never found someone she was interested in enough to do that.

Nope. She was happy with her life just the way it was.

Sacaren wasn't happy. He'd always believed his pack would share a mate. Having six of them watch over one mate meant she'd always be guarded, safe. Now, the idea of having to take care of a mate on his own…it made him feel a little ill.

Especially when these human females were so fragile, so easily harmed. How was he supposed to keep one safe?

Well, at least they were small. He'd just have to find a submissive, obedient one and ensure that he kept her tightly under his protection at all time. That would be simple.

Right?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sadie Carter
• Release date: Nov 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386508885

Book preview

Cover Design: Dark City Designs

Editor: Christie Giraud: EbookEditingPro

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

A Christmas Most Alien

Alien Explosions

Alien Retribution

Alien Protector (coming 2019)

Sky Warriors

Marcun

Sacaren

Nax (coming 2019)

Joyadan Mates

Rye

Other

Fairy Godmother Gone Bad

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Chapter One

The food at the wedding was shit.

Canapes. Sliders. Thimble-sized servings of soup. Little meatballs on the end of toothpicks.

Seriously. When had it become popular to serve everything on a tiny scale? Soup should be served in bowls. If you’re gonna serve dried-up pieces of bread with tomatoes on top then why not go the whole way and just hand out tomatoes on toast? As for the meatballs ... they were supposed to be eaten one way—on top of a plate of spaghetti, swimming in tomato sauce. And even though she’d eaten as many canapes as she could get her hands on, she was still starving.

Which was what had led her to walking into a 7-Eleven at close to midnight, dressed like a giant, apricot-colored, crinoline doily girl. Her grandma had one, it had been passed down throughout the generations. God knew why. And apparently Frankie had the questionable pleasure of being next in line for it.

What she was going to do with it, she had no idea.

But no one said no to Grandma Rona. No one.

The postman had gotten into an argument with her once over some missing mail. She’d cursed him. Which he’d laughed off. He’d gotten pink eye the next day. He had it for close to a month before he turned up on Grandma’s doorstop with a huge bunch of flowers and an apology.

Yeah, no one messed with Grandma. Thank God she lived several thousand miles away.

Frankie had no doubt she’d find a place for that hideous thing. If she could wear this dress all day without saying a disparaging word then she could hold her tongue about the doily girl.

Hopefully.

It had been a near thing about the dress. But Frankie had learned never to disagree with a bride. In everyday life, the bride was sweet, gentle and shy, but she’d morphed into this evil creature who enjoyed dressing her friends in hideous gowns, who tortured them with bridal fittings and rehearsals and tried to pair them up with garlic-smelling groomsmen with wandering hands.

After having been a bridesmaid eleven times, she’d decided she was never getting married. Not even to get revenge on those eleven brides who had dressed her in the ugliest gowns imaginable. She swore they got worse as each year passed. It was as though they were trying to outdo each other.

So yep, after a day spent doing her duties as hideous bridesmaid number three, and trying to fill her cavernous stomach with itsy-bitsy tiny food, she now found herself raiding the candy aisle in the 7-Eleven.

Come on, there has to be some Reece’s Pieces, she muttered to herself as she ran her gaze up and down the rows.

She turned the corner, prepared to complain to the night clerk, when she froze, her heart leaping into her throat as she watched a man wearing dark clothes and a balaclava approach the cashier’s desk, a sawed-off shot-gun in his hand.

Put your hands up and hand over the cash.

Frankie bit her tongue against pointing out that it was kind of impossible for the cashier to do both at once, congratulating herself for her restraint. She slowly crouched down and started inching herself around the aisle.

She was not going to get involved. Nope. Not happening.

Not her fight.

***

So, what you are saying is that humans lie, Sacaren said.

Around him, his pack mates all nodded.

Eden shook her head. No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.

But you just told us that humans do not always say what they think. That they think one thing and say something else, Sacaren pointed out.

Sounds like a lie to me, Nax growled. They lie, they cry, and they talk. A lot.

She put her hands on her hips, turning to Nax with an exasperated sigh. What do you want us to do? Sit around and look pretty? Only speak when spoken to? Do as we’re told?

That would be good. Is that an option? Nax asked seriously.

Eden pulled her hands through her hair. Urgh.

Careful. Marcun glowered at them all. You upset my mate.

Sacaren immediately felt guilty. He had no wish to upset Eden, who had offered to help them in their dealings with humans. They needed to learn how to fit in, to understand more about humans so they could find their mate.

Mates.

Plural. That was a most disconcerting thought. He had always assumed that when they found a mate, they would all share her. It had brought him some peace of mind, knowing that if he could not be there to protect their mate, that one of his pack would be.

To think of ensuring the health and safety of a mate on his own was, well, terrifying.

But he looked over at Marcun, who was still glaring at them all. His pack mate was managing. Not that he had allowed Eden to leave the ship very often and certainly not without him. She had not been all that happy about that dictate, but she had followed it.

It would be easier if he could find a mate who would simply follow his orders without argument. Someone obedient. Quiet. Someone like Eden had just described, who would obey his every word.

Surely there was a human female out there who would fit that description.

Why can we not just kidnap them? Brogan complained. We go at night, pick a female we like the look of, and then fly her back here. The human authorities will have no idea.

Okay, that’s not even funny to joke about. Eden frowned at the quietest member of their pack. That’s kidnapping. It’s a federal offense.

No one bothered to tell her that Brogan wasn’t joking. They caught the look Marcun sent them. Ioin cleared his throat.

Perhaps we should return to the lies humans tell. Can you tell us of the types of lies we should be aware of?

They’re not lies, they’re ... Eden paused, running her hand over her face. Okay, I’m not sure I can explain this in a way you will understand. We need to spend some time living on Earth so you can get to know some women and they can come to know you. And then they will be able to choose whether to become your mate or not.

He still did not entirely understand why they should give them a choice. Eden spoke to them about a few other things before pausing to take a drink of water.

Come, mate, I think it is time to rest, Marcun told her, standing and holding out his hand. She blushed bright red because they all knew Marcun didn’t really mean they should rest.

Sacaren snapped his fingers. So that is what you mean when you say humans say one thing and mean another.

Eden turned back from where Marcun was leading her out of the room. What do you mean?

I mean that Marcun said he believes you should rest, when what he really means is that you should seek privacy to—

We do not need to say that out loud, Marcun interjected, giving him a look as Eden groaned and pressed her face into his chest. They quickly left the room.

What? Sacaren asked. I thought she would be happy that I understood what she was trying to teach us?

Ioin shrugged. Human females. Who understands them?

***

Sacaren strode down the gray streets of Manhattan. He never would have thought he’d be so pleased to return to this gloomy planet, with its lack of greenery, its high levels of pollution, and strange people. But he found himself walking down the sidewalk with a slight grin on his face.

Interesting.

Was he happy because he actually enjoyed being here? Or was it that he had grown tired of being in a ship with his pack mates? He had lived with them for years on their ship without any real problems. Certainly, they often needed downtime apart from each other. Fights usually broke out when they spent long periods of time together. That was inevitable. And quite enjoyable. Having a physical fight got rid of any pent-up frustrations and anger.

But Marcun’s mate did not like when they fought. Something about how they shouldn’t like hurting each other. How ridiculous was that? Nothing was wrong with wanting to hit your pack mate every now and then. After all, they were particularly annoying—especially when he spent too much time with them.

They had just completed a long and complicated job. They had been working for close to six months now without a break. It had been over nine months since they had left Earth, after Marcun mated with Eden. This was the first opportunity in their schedule for them to return. He hadn’t been certain how he would feel coming back.

He definitely hadn’t expected to feel happy. Sacaren had been starting to wonder about this whole mating with humans thing. At first, he’d been pleased. He’d thought they would find a human mate and would share her amongst the pack. Sharing a mate was what Sky Warriors did. Until Marcun decided he didn’t want to share his mate, Eden.

Selfish bastard.

Sacaren’s grin grew. He enjoyed some of these human sayings.

His grin dropped away, replaced by a frown. His pack mates had been more volatile than usual this trip. And it wasn’t due to their inability to take their frustrations out on each other. They had just learned to fight when Marcun’s sensitive mate was not around to witness them. No, they were more on edge because the need for a mate burned deep in each of them. Or at least it did in him and he thought it did for the others also. But Sacaren was worried about keeping all of these human mates safe. If they all had a mate, that would be five more human females on their ship to worry about, to protect. Marcun had a fit every time Eden bumped her toe. Would Sacaren feel the same way about his own mate?

He did not doubt his ability to protect his mate, but these humans were unpredictable as well as fragile and easily harmed. Their lives were dangerous. The two things did not go together well. He supposed that if he wanted a human mate, then he would need to ensure she was obedient to his commands, especially when it came to her safety. He could not have her in danger. He growled at the very thought. Yes, he would simply have to train her to follow his commands. How hard could that be?

Eden did not always appreciate their commands. Marcun was so besotted with her, he seemed to find it hard to tell her no. Sacaren had no intention of allowing his mate to rule him.

His stomach grumbled as he walked through the dark streets. A few humans had stopped to stare at him. He had made certain that his wings were hidden and they had all covered their skin in that horrible tanning solution. He’d slumped down so he didn’t look so tall. So he did not know why they were all looking.

Hey, handsome, looking for some fun? A female dressed in a short, skin-tight skirt and a bustier that barely covered her surprisingly pert breasts approached him. Make-up was caked onto her face, but did little to hide the dark bags under her eyes.

Fun? What sort of fun?

Whatever fun you like, honey. You name it, I’ll do it.

Really?

His stomach rumbled again. Good. Then I am looking for sustenance.

Sustenance, huh? Never heard it called that before. But I’m certain I can find something to sustain you. She ran her hands down her side then cupped her breasts. This sort of thing what you meant?

He studied her. No, I was speaking of food. What do you speak of?

I was talking about sex.

Sex? Why would you... It had taken him a while, but he finally figured out what she was. You are a whore.

Her mouth dropped open then closed. It made her look a little odd. Like a fish. Hmm ... he wouldn’t mind some fish. Do you know where I can get fish?

What? Ah, no. I don’t think there’s anywhere open that sells fish. So, you really don’t want sex? She stared up at him.

Maybe another time. When I am not so in need of food. He feared if he didn’t eat soon he might even collapse.

Right. Another time. Sure, honey. Let’s do that. With a shake of her head and a small laugh, she backed away. I think the 7-Eleven is your best bet. She pointed down the street to where a shop was lit up.

Thank you. You are most kind. He nodded to her.

Sure I am, honey. That’s what everyone says.

I can see why. He walked on, hearing her laugh behind him. He was not certain what she found funny, but she did seem a little odd.

He stepped inside the small shop—just in time to see a masked man ahead of him pull out a gun and aim it at the person behind the counter.

Put your hands up and hand over all the cash.

Sacaren opened his mouth to speak when a movement to his right caught his attention. He turned to see a strange-looking creature in one of the aisles. The head looked like that of a human female, but she was covered in this strange orange, frothy outfit. It was the biggest dress he’d ever seen. And either she was ridiculously short or she was crouching down. It was hard to tell through the layers of material covering her.

She curled her finger at him. He knew that gesture. Eden used it often. It meant come here. But why did she wish him to come to her? He looked from her, over to where the trembling, obviously frightened person behind the counter was attempting to grab all of the cash, while the masked male kept the gun aimed at him.

Sacaren watched on curiously.

Hurry up! Hurry up! the darkly dressed male barked. I don’t have all day.

That’s all there is, the younger male replied, his voice shaking.

What? This? There’s more than this. You’ve put it out in the safe.

We don’t h-have a safe.

Yes, you do. Don’t lie to me. I know you have a safe, I used to wor ... ah, I knew someone who worked here. Get me the cash from the safe!

The o-owner just e-emptied it.

Sacaren just shook his head. It was obvious the younger male lied. And he was growing impatient. He was hungry and wished to purchase his food.

Psst.

He glanced over at the female again. She frowned up at him, waving frantically. What did she wish? Suddenly, it occurred to him that perhaps she wished him to come and protect her. Was she frightened? Well, since she was requesting his protection, he supposed he could not ignore her.

Still, he did hope he would get a chance to eat sometime tonight.

Frankie couldn’t believe it when the big dude ignored her again. Just how tall was he, anyway? He’d actually had to duck as he’d entered the shop. She glanced down his body, noting the size of his hands and his feet. She swallowed heavily. Okay, that was not something she should be noticing right now. She was stuck between aisles during the middle of a robbery, looking at some dude’s feet and wondering if they corresponded to other parts of his body. Not at all helpful. Or good timing.

And since when had she been interested in men’s feet? Or any other body parts?

But there was no denying that this guy was gorgeous. With his short, dark hair, those chiseled cheeks and his piercing blue gaze, combined with a killer body, he could have stepped straight off a movie set in Hollywood.

But then again, he’d actually have to have some brains in order to learn his lines. Unless he was trying for the part of King Kong. That might work. Because it was obvious he was pretty short in the brain department, if he hadn’t even noticed that there was a robbery going on right in front of him. The normal response to a dangerous situation was generally to freeze or flee. Well, he definitely wasn’t fleeing; he’d ignored both of her attempts to get him to hunker down safely with her. And she didn’t get the feeling he was frozen with fear, either.

In fact, he looked kind of irritated.

He picked up a tube of something and then loudly cleared his throat. She wished she could see the gunman, but she couldn’t peek around the corner of the aisle without giving herself away. This big dude might have a suicide wish but she sure as hell didn’t.

Nope, she was just going to sit here and remain quiet and if he wanted to get himself into trouble then that was his biz. Nothing to do with her. She was just a bystander ... looking on at a complete train wreck.

Who the fuck are you?