In Darkness: The Alien

By L. Diane Wolfe

Souls shrouded in darkness...

Abducted from her research station, Liz’s life is flung into chaos. Sold into servanthood for her knowledge of planetary mining to a race called the Stren, she discovers her problems go far deeper. She is to marry her alien master, Krist, after enduring a procedure designed to eradicate her emotions.

Desperate, Liz persuades the Stren to grant her the duration of a short voyage to change his perception of emotions. But how can she convince someone lacking feelings of their value? Is there a means of accessing the emotional side of Krist?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press LLC
• Release date: Feb 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9781939844972

L. Diane Wolfe

L. Diane WolfeProfessional Speaker & Authorwww.spunkonastick.net www.thecircleoffriends.nethttp://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.comKnown as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties all of her goal-setting and leadership seminar’s information together into one complete, enthusiastic package. She also conducts seminars on book publishing and promoting, and assists writers through her author services. Her YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories that appeal to both teens and concerned parents. Ten years associating with a motivation training system and experience as a foster parent gave her the in-depth knowledge of relationships, personality traits and success principles. Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and contributes to several other sites and newsletters.

Book preview

IN DARKNESS

THE alien

By L. Diane Wolfe

DANCING LEMUR PRESS, L.L.C.

Pikeville, North Carolina

http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/

Wolfe's 'The Alien' is a fast-paced story full of great world building, well-developed characters, and a strong female lead with a side of sarcasm. The opening line made me laugh, and the story made me think. Don't miss this one!  - Melissa Maygrove, Romance Author

5 stars! As always, the author's use of paranormal and humanity are sensational and I found that so far, this is my favorite story of the series. The story is a wondrous trail of words, that brings the worlds that the author creates to life. – Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

A great round-out for the IN DARKNESS series. – Sandra Cox, author

I have enjoyed every other book in the In Darkness series of fantasy romance novellas, and this fourth standalone novella which takes a more science fiction twist might actually be my favourite!  …it also brings up some interesting questions about what it means to be alive and with emotions, and it's all wrapped up in a beautiful, interesting and heartwarming romance. – The Strawberry Post

Copyright 2024 by L. Diane Wolfe

Published by Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

P.O. Box 383, Pikeville, North Carolina, 27863-0383

http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/

ISBN 9781939844972

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system in any form–either mechanically, electronically, photocopy, recording, or other–except for short quotations in printed reviews, without the permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Cover design by C.R.W.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

About the Author

Other Titles

Chapter One

You need a breath mint. That’s a foul alien stink.

The alien man drew closer and Liz held her breath. Her nose hair curled despite her efforts. If not already pressed against the wall, she’d have fallen over from the stench.

This the only Terran? the man said, directing his question to the burly figure behind him.

I originally had six, but the males went right away.

Liz shifted her head to the left, desperate for a breath of uncontaminated air.

The man leaned back and rubbed the stiff, white stubble on his head. Terran women aren’t strong enough for what I need. It’ll take her ten cycles to work off her servanthood. Doubt she’d survive that long.

Like hell I wouldn’t. Liz scowled but refrained from voicing her thoughts. Talking back only resulted in a lack of creature comforts.

That’s the risk I run intercepting illegal cargo. The burly man, known to Liz only as Kerr, crossed his arms. Sometimes the cargo isn’t worth much.

Liz squeezed her bound hands tighter. I’m smarter and more valuable than you, pirate. On Terra, you’d be nothing but a worthless criminal.

I can’t use her, the foul-breathed man stated. He stretched to his above-average height, his pale skin wrinkled. And it’s a rare scavenger who sells his own goods. Not efficient.

I have dealers for everything but live cargo. I prefer to handle that myself, anyway. Larger profit.

Less time for tracking. Less profit.

The man departed, ignoring the indignant look Liz’s keeper flashed him. And failing to take all of his horrible odor with him. Kerr guffawed.

Strens are so annoying with their logic. He doesn’t know my business. It’s far more profitable if I negotiate servant deals myself. He turned to Liz, gazing at her through hair as uneven as his complexion. Although if I don’t make a deal on you soon, I’ll have to keep you through the next job. And the Stren was right. You’d be useless for what I need.

Liz lifted her chin, her shoulders straightening with determination. Then just cut your losses and let me go.

And lose my investment? Not a chance. Takes a lot of credits to run my ship and pay my crew. Running interference on the smuggling trade isn’t cheap. Most of my pay comes from what I confiscate.

That’s what you get for such a dishonorable profession, jerk, Liz said, twisting her wrists in the restraints.

I don’t make the rules, I just play by them. Kerr grasped her arm, thick fingers tight on her skin, and hauled her forward. Come on, you worthless Terran. Let’s see if I can entice some sap to purchase you.

Propelling her to the entryway, he planted Liz in full view of the crowd. She managed to wiggle free and leaned against the metal arch. Pressing her lips together, she scanned the marketplace.

I don’t know which is worse. Remaining with this alien scum or being sold to someone potentially viler.

Kerr called out passersby, asking if they were in the market for a servant. A couple people paused, one a bit on the lizard side, giving Liz the once-over but none lingered. Her keeper grew impatient, his enticing remarks bordering on begging. His stocky frame shook from the efforts. Liz shifted from one foot to the other, tired of standing all day.

Why did I request such a remote assignment? Our lone security officer didn’t stand a chance against those barbaric raiders. At least he didn’t have to endure their abuse. Or this idiot.

Her skin prickled. Liz looked up and discovered purple eyes gazing at her. A young man with thick, curly blond hair. And tall. Another Stren.

At least you don’t stink.

In the market for a servant? Kerr said, sidling up to the young man. She’s the last one I have.

The man cocked his head, his expression revealing nothing. I don’t believe we need a servant at this time.

Kerr slapped his arm. Everyone needs another servant. Granted she’s Terran and not suited for hard labor, but her debt is enough to give you at least five cycles of work.

Liz ground her teeth. I’d like to give you five cycles of an ass-kicking.

An older woman appeared at the man’s side. He deferred to her, gesturing to Liz. Do we need a Terran servant, light work only?

A rough hand on her elbow jerked Liz forward, placing her in front of the woman. She glared at Kerr, unwilling to parade in front of potential buyers as if she were livestock. Clenching her jaw, she stood in place while Kerr continued to prattle on and on. The woman continued to gaze at her. Eyes an even darker shade of purple, they reflected no interest in the man’s rambling.

Why light work only? she said, cutting Kerr short.

Unfortunately, Terran women aren’t bred for hard labor. They’re too soft for some servant work.

Anger bubbled forth and Liz stomped her foot. "That’s because I was trained