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Surprising Their Mate – Release Reboot

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Surprising Their Mate (Tharan Warrior Menage 7)

by Kallista Dane
Available Now – Only $0.99
Buy Link – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KGGXDWJ/
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Surprise them. Even as I said the words, I could hardly contain my own excitement. I wanted to surprise my mates, too. I’d have to come up with the perfect gift for them – and for Ceres.

“Tell me more about this ‘Christmas,’” my daughter said. “Why do we go outside and decorate a tree? And what do we decorate it with?”

“You don’t decorate it outside. You bring it in the house,” I explained. “And as for what we decorate it with…” I stopped. I had no idea. I tried to remember the illustrations I’d seen in an old book I found packed away in a box in one of the storerooms at the Institute. A poem called ‘The Night Before Christmas.’ I’d hidden it under my bed and read it over and over until one of the matrons found me with it and took it away.

“Um…colored balls and strings of berries. And cookies! We’ll bake cookies shaped like little boys and little girls. We’ll tie them on the tree with brightly colored strips of fabric.”

“Why?”

Her matter-of-fact question stumped me for a moment. “Well, because it’s tradition,” I said. “Wait a minute. We’re on a new world. We should create our own traditions. We don’t have to hang cookies on the tree. We can decorate it with whatever we want. Flowers, pretty rocks we find.” My mind was spinning with the possibilities. “I know what we can do! Ceres, you and I will pack a picnic and go on a treasure hunt. We’ll find special things that remind us of our new life here on Tharon to decorate with.”

The mention of going on a picnic spurred her into action. She waved a hand and the holographic screen she’d been doing calculations on disappeared. “Good. I’m ready for a break. Besides, if we’re going to make cookies, I’d rather eat mine than hang it up somewhere.”

Though she never speaks of her early years as a slave in the Arena, my adopted daughter still carries the scars of abuse and neglect at the hands of Bophe. I know she went to bed hungry so many nights that having enough to eat any time she wants is still a blessing to her. I should have realized the thought of having cookies hanging there in front of her and not being able to eat them would be almost cruel to someone who’d never tasted a sweet treat before she came to Tharon.

“We’ll make lots and lots of cookies,” I promised. “And you can eat all you want.”

She beamed at me, and I thanked the Goddess once more for bringing her into our lives. Growing up, I always wished for a family, and now I had one. Two gorgeous sexy mates who made me feel loved and cherished every day and a daughter who was incredibly smart as well as being the kindest, most courageous soul I’d ever met.

I vowed I’d make their first Christmas special for each one of them.

Buy Link – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KGGXDWJ/
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It’s almost Christmas! Here’s my to-do list:

Bake cookies with my blue-haired daughter from another world. Check

Find the perfect gifts for my dominant oh-so-sexy cyborg mates. Double check

Explain holiday traditions to my alien family. Still working on it.

I never dreamed I’d be celebrating Christmas for the first time on a strange planet halfway across the galaxy.

Growing up back home on Earth, it was just another day. After my parents died, the Institute fed me, clothed me, educated me. But the administrators didn’t believe in coddling their charges. There was no Santa Claus, no tree. And definitely no presents.

Maybe that’s why I’m determined to make my first Christmas with my new family special. So far, the cookies I’ve baked either look bad or taste awful. And my warrior twins would rather have kinky Tharan sex with me than shop for gifts or make ornaments to hang on a tree.

Don’t get me wrong. I happen to love kinky Tharan sex. But I’m still learning how to be a proper submissive mate, so I spend a lot of time bending over with my skirt pulled up while my alien mates turn my bottom cheeks as red as Santa’s hat.

Who knew celebrating Christmas would be this hard?

Buy Link – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KGGXDWJ/

USA Today Bestselling author Kallista Dane’s steamy romances have hit #1 in Amazon’s Sci-Fi and Western Erotica as well as making the bestselling lists in Sci-Fi Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, and BDSM.

She combines eroticism with adventure and intrigue, weaving tale of strong, independent women tangling with the hot Alpha and Omega males who appear in their lives when they expect it least but need them the most.

Kallista loves gardening, chocolate, traveling, chocolate, scuba diving… and did we mention chocolate? She likes to say she’s a little like Goldilocks – she’s lived in northern Michigan, where it is way too cold and the Florida Keys, but that was way too hot. Now she makes her home in North Carolina where it’s (usually) just right!

To find out about her newest releases, sign up for her newsletter at KallistaDane.com

Connect with Kallista on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Kallista-Dane-Romance-220145388780522/

Website: KallistaDane.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kallista-Dane/e/B00D54IW6M/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kallista-dane

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Tracker – Blitz

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Outcasts, Book 3
Sci-fi Romance
Publisher: Anything-but-Ordinary Books
Published: September 2018
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Xorran, a famed tracker, is sent to find two human females kidnapped by the Outcasts’ enemy. His search seems futile until he encounters Sara and a feisty battle cat cub. He’s fascinated by the tiny animal, but feels an immediate and powerful connection with the wisecracking human.
Sara is still angry about being brought to the Outcasts’ planet without her permission, yet her stubbornness is no match for “the pull”. As they work together to rescue her friend, their passion flares ever hotter. Can Xorran prove to Sara that he wants more than a torrid affair? Now that he’s found a potential mate, he will settle for nothing less than forever.
Other Books in the Outcasts Series:
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Heretic
Outcasts, Book 1
Publisher: Anything-but-Ordinary Books
Published: April 2018
Restless and embittered by an abusive past, Arton the Heretic finds himself in a battle of wills with Lily, a gorgeous geneticist. She holds the key to the future of his people, but she was brought to this savage world against her will and that’s an insult she’ll not soon forget. Their attraction is instantaneous and intense, yet each has valid reasons for mistrusting the other. He wants her, is consumed with the need to claim her, but he can’t focus on the future until he deals with the past.
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Marauder
Outcasts, Book 2
Publisher: Anything-but-Ordinary Books
Published: June 28, 2018
Rex Dravon, a notorious smuggler, is one of the Outcasts’ most important allies. Many of the Outcasts’ philosophies and approaches to life in general appeal to him, but he’s hesitant to commit to any cause. Hoping to entice Rex into committing, Arton the Heretic, tells Rex that he is genetically compatible with one of the “captive brides”, a feisty blonde named Thea Cline.
Thea is still enraged that she was dragged from Earth without her permission, and she’s recovering from a horrendous tragedy. She sneaks aboard the Marauder hoping to steal a weapon. Instead she’s confronted by the ship’s handsome commander. She knows to be wary of Rex because of his reputation, but she’s instantly, and powerfully, drawn to him. His offer to help her escape comes a little too quickly and she fears he has ulterior motives. Is he simply hoping to lure her into his bed—a fate she’s not sure she’d mind—or is his motivation more nefarious?
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Excerpt
Outcasts 3: Tracker
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Copyright © 2018 Cyndi Friberg
Slowly, he lowered his face, gaze boring into hers. Time paused, trapping her in the moment and narrowing reality to Xorran and her. His warm breath stirred against her lips, his scent slowly filling her nose. He was strong and handsome, smart and kind. And he offered security and a sense of belonging that she’d longed for all her life. Why was she so afraid of making the promise reality?
His lips pressed against her and she closed her eyes, blocking out thought and insecurity. He’d lit a fire in her body and now he was going to fan the flames until there was nothing left but ash. She only hoped that she would survive the inferno.
He pushed his arm back beneath her neck as his mouth caressed hers. As before, the kiss was slow and coaxing rather than harsh and demanding. He could be aggressive. No one rose through the ranks of any military without being ruthless, even lethal. But with her, he was gentle, patient.
Tired of denying her body what it needed so badly, she parted her lips and raised her hand to his face. Bristle roughened his jawline, but higher, along the crest of his cheekbone, his skin was warm and soft. She explored his shapes and textures while he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. All the while their breaths mingled and mixed, making her head spin and her nipples tingle. Her heartbeat accelerated, amplifying the throb between her legs. She needed him there, filling the emptiness, stretching her core until she screamed with pleasure.
As if sensing her thoughts, his tongue pushed into her mouth, sliding along hers until his taste exploded along her taste buds, sending a fresh rush of desire all through her body. She groaned, hips canting, legs thrashing restlessly.
He slid his thumb along the collar of her uniform top, triggering the seam release. Cool air wafted across her breasts as he parted the sides, baring her to the waist. His hand soon followed, cupping, gently squeezing, and then teasing the nipples with the pad of his thumb or a careful pinch. She groaned into his mouth as darts of sensation zinged from the tips of her breasts to her clit. Desire rose, burning brighter as his skillful touch awakened her senses.
Eager to feel more of him, she drew his shirt from inside his pants. He wore the clingy pullover style many of the men favored. The fabric came free and quickly bunched below his arms. She tore her mouth away from his long enough to whisper, “Off.” She tugged on the shirt, illustrating what she wanted. He tore the garment off, obliging her with nearly violent haste, then his mouth recaptured hers.
She stroked his chest and shoulders, lingering over his arms, fascinated by the bunch and flex of his impressive muscles. All the Outcasts were lean and fit. Some were even more handsome than Xorran. But he was hers, hers to touch and taste, talk to and depend on. If she allowed his claim, they would share thoughts and emotions. There would be no lies, no pretense or deception. But she had to be willing to give him the same access to her mind. She had to be brave enough to believe his promises, and risk her heart.
Something deep inside her shifted, she softened, opened, and not just physically. She wanted to make love to him desperately, but she wanted more, she wanted that deeper connection, the absolute intimacy only experienced by bonded mates.
She returned his kiss with greater fervor, arching into his touch. “Oh Xorran, I want—”
“I know, love. I know.”
About the Author

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Passionate Sci-Fi with a touch of danger and a whole lot of sass. Cyndi has written about rock stars, vampires, and cat shifters, but she’s currently focused on outer space. Her stories are fun, fast-paced, and seriously hot. She has made the USA Today Top 100, and every book in the Battle Born series landed on Amazon’s Top 100. She is currently working on Outcasts, a spin-off series set in the Battle Born universe.
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Marauder – Blitz

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Outcasts, Book 2
Sci-fi Romance
Date Published: June 28, 2018
Publisher: Anything-but-Ordinary Books
 
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Rex Dravon, a notorious smuggler, is one of the Outcasts’ most important allies. Many of the Outcasts’ philosophies and approaches to life in general appeal to him, but he’s hesitant to commit to any cause. Hoping to entice Rex into committing, Arton the Heretic, tells Rex that he is genetically compatible with one of the “captive brides”, a feisty blonde named Thea Cline.
Thea is still enraged that she was dragged from Earth without her permission, and she’s recovering from a horrendous tragedy. She sneaks aboard the Marauder hoping to steal a weapon. Instead she’s confronted by the ship’s handsome commander. She knows to be wary of Rex because of his reputation, but she’s instantly, and powerfully, drawn to him. His offer to help her escape comes a little too quickly and she fears he has ulterior motives. Is he simply hoping to lure her into his bed—a fate she’s not sure she’d mind—or is his motivation more nefarious?
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About the Author

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Anything-but-Ordinary is Cyndi’s creed and her writing reflects her dedication to the concept. She writes in a variety of genres, but seems happiest in outer space. Her books frequently appear on Best-Seller lists, and TAKEN BY STORM was named Best Fantasy/Science Fiction Romance of the year by Romance Reviews Today.
She lives with her high school sweetheart turned husband of many years. With a pampered cat curled on the corner of her desk, she dreams of fascinating worlds and larger than life adventures — and wouldn’t have it any other way!
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Rise the Seas – Blitz

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Rise the Seas

by Milana Jacks
Publication Date: March 10, 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Sci-Fi Romance

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Read for FREE in KindleUnlimited: Amazon US | Amazon UK

He should send her away. But her innocent touch sets off his dragon beast.

Selena
I’m the last Salazar female left on Earth, but I’m still fully human, and I am not a bargaining chip. No way am I marrying my Dad’s business partner’s son, even if Diego does have a megatronic crotch. I’ve got to get away from the habitat. My old fly-only car won’t make it to New York, but it can take me as far the dragon island just offshore.

Lance
Ten years ago, I thought a willowy woman in white “gifting” me and my three buddies with an elemental beast was a tequila-fueled dream—until I woke up as a blue dragon, supposedly with control over water. Except I can’t seem to raise so much as a ripple in the iceberg-choked sea. Worse, unlike my friends, I’m covered in scales.

Most alien Cy know not to visit my domain uninvited. But this intruder isn’t cyborg or alien. She’s a human female seeking protection. I should turn her down. I should send her home. But her innocent touch arouses my beast. And he’s not letting her go…

About Milana Jacks

Milana grew up with tales of water fairies that seduced men, vampires that seduced women, and Babaroga who’d come to take her away if she didn’t eat her bean soup. She writes devious paranormal romance about extraterrestrials and fantasy creatures roaming the Earth where she resides with her mate and their three little monsters.

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DANGEROUSLY YOURS – RELEASE BLAST

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Sci-Fi Romance
Date Published: June 6, 2017
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Kane Epps divides his life into two distinct parts—before the alien invasion and after. Before the invasion, he had a pregnant wife and a high-powered job. After the invasion, he’s left with only himself and his hatred for all things alien. He channels his bitterness by captaining a vessel of renegade humans—space pirates who don’t think twice about taking what they need.
Princess Sa’Mya is on the run. She and a few trusted advisers fled her home planet only to be captured by the sexy, dangerous Captain Epps. He claims to hate aliens but can’t seem to resist touching her or kissing her…everywhere. As Kane introduces Sa’Mya to ever-increasing, unimaginable realms of pleasure, the princess becomes determined to earn his trust. She’s used to getting what she wants. And this time, what she wants is Kane Epps.
Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published by Ellora’s Case under the title Dangerously Yours and has been revised for re-publish by the Author.
Reader Advisory: This space-opera romance contains some good old-fashioned voyeurism.
 
Excerpt
 
Holding tight to his wife’s hand, Kane pulled her along. She stumbled behind him, tripping on rubble, debris and concrete. He cast his eyes toward the large metallic spacecraft sitting low in the sky above New York City, blocking out the sun and moon, bathing everyone in perpetual darkness. He glanced at the watch on his wrist. It was three twenty-one p.m.
Anna’s pace slowed before stopping altogether. Leaning over, she took gulping breaths.
“Come on, baby,” he coaxed gently. “I know you’re tired but we have to keep moving.”
“I’m trying to.” Anna’s chest heaved in and out.
Her dirty-blonde bangs clung to her flushed forehead. The maternity jeans she had thrown on when they were forced to leave their brownstone were now torn and covered in dirt. Her too-small maternity shirt stretched over her pregnant abdomen. And after all this time, his clothes weren’t any better.
His gaze lingered on her fragile form. His heart lurched in his chest. The dark freckles dotting her face leaped out in contrast to her pale skin. She needed food, water and rest. Now. He blew out a heavy sigh. That’s not going to happen anytime soon, he thought, taking in his surroundings.
Through the darkness, he caught a glimpse of his companions. The group of seventeen men, women and children continued forward on their pursuit across the city without even a backward glance to where he and Anna lagged behind, again. The group of survivors should’ve been able to cover more ground than they had. But their pace slowed considerably to account for Anna being eight-and-a-half-months pregnant. Thanks to the in vitro fertilization, she was pregnant with twins.
The delirious thought almost made him laugh out loud. They had spent nearly thirty thousand dollars to get pregnant and a few months later, hostile aliens had invaded Earth.
He tore his gaze away from the group and studied Anna. She propped herself against a broken street sign. She coughed as she breathed in the contaminants of the air.
A high pitched wheezing sound came from her lungs with every labored breath that she took. Sweat dripped from her forehead to her brow. One hand held the side of her head and the other rested on the side of her belly. Although she hadn’t said anything, he could tell she was more swollen today than yesterday.
He placed a hand over her extended belly. “How are the babies?”
He didn’t know much but he did know the babies should have been moving under their touch. The lack of movement confirmed Anna couldn’t continue any longer. It was too risky.
“They’re fine,” she said between pants.
Not believing her, he shook his head. “We have to st—”
Anna cradled his chin, bringing his face to look at her. “Kane, I can do this.”
Although determination was written across her features, he didn’t think she could go on for a few more minutes let alone hours. Breaking eye contact, he worked the knapsack off her back. He slung it over his shoulder along with his and scooped her up into his arms, ignoring her protests. Her pregnant weight made his muscles flex tighter around her.
She stroked the side of his cheek. “Kane.”
He looked down into worried hazel eyes. “What?”
“You can’t carry me forever.”
“Only for a little while. We need to keep moving, baby.”
She buried her head onto his chest. “I love you.”
“I love you too, always.”
She brought her head up to him again. A slight smile played on her lips. “Even though I’m chunky and fat?”
“You’re pregnant and healthy.” He followed the trail of the survivors. Their backs came in and out of view as the group traversed up and around large slabs of concrete that had once been paved city streets.
She gave his biceps a light pat. “Nice save, counselor,” she teased weakly.
“That’s me, Kane Epps, esquire. I can talk my way out of the hairiest of situations.”
Her playfulness slowly disappeared as she scanned the horizon. “I wish you could’ve negotiated us out of this one.”
Kane’s gaze followed hers, catching sight of the Statue of Liberty in the distant horizon, toppled on its side.
In less than a week of their arrival, the aliens had wreaked havoc on Earth. Crumbled buildings lay in heaps all around them. Alien weapons uprooted city streets. Alien bombs leveled countries. Alien technology disrupted communication, television, phones and radios. U.S. military forces were swatted down as though they were flies.
Now, three months later, humans scavenged for basic necessities.
“We’re going to be fine.” His voice came out tight and hard.
Anna rubbed his chest. “I know.” Her reassurance and faith in him sent waves of tenderness through his heart. “You’ll take care of me.”
Right. He would take care of her.
Two hours later, he began to stumble. When his knee dropped to the ground, he got up and gathered a protesting Anna back into his arms. His jeans no longer offered a buffer between his knees and the concrete, as evidenced by a bloody smear left as he’d stumbled to his feet. Each time he fell he had a harder time getting up and continuing.
His knee hit the ground again, landing on broken concrete. He let his head fall forward as he bit back a gasp of pain. A bead of sweat ran from his short, white-blond hair down the bridge of his nose, where it lingered before finally dripping to the ground. Closing his eyes, he willed the pain away, clasping Anna tight to him. With renewed energy, Anna worked to pry his hands from her arms and legs in an effort to free herself.
When he wouldn’t release her, she pleaded, “Honey. Let me go. I can walk now.”
“No. I can do this.” He fought the urge to look at her, fearing if he did she would see the pain that shone in in his eyes.
“Kane. Look at me,” Anna pleaded softly. Reluctantly, he obeyed. “You need to let me walk.”
“You can’t.”
“I have to.” She shook her head in determination. “I can’t let you kill yourself. Let me go.”
“Never. I love you.”
Anna let out an irritated sigh. “I love you too, but so help me God, if you break a leg trying to carry me, I will kill you.”
His feisty pixie was back. Kane let her slide from his weary arms to her steady feet. He wanted to stay with the group. Safety in numbers sat better with him. But he also needed to rest and couldn’t risk losing his wife or babies. The pace the group had set was grueling.
It’s not as if the group would miss them or anything. The survivors would probably welcome losing the dead weight. It was Anna he feared wouldn’t take the news too lightly.
Prepared for a fight, he fixed his stare on her. “Baby, I think we need to find a place to hide for the night.”
Her gaze went from him to the retreating group. “But…but what about them?”
“We’re going to go on our own.”
“Oh Kane.” Her lips began to tremble. Tears fell as he squeezed her hand in his. “We can’t get separated from another group. Let me at least try to walk.”
He kissed her dirty, pale cheeks. “No, baby. I won’t risk it. You and the babies mean more to me than they do. We can hide in one of the abandoned houses.”
He pulled her in a tight embrace. He would do anything for her. Keeping her safe had become his number-one priority.
She shook her head almost hysterically. “That group we saw a week ago said the aliens are hunting humans and taking them away. I don’t want to get caught. What’ll happen to us? What if the aliens are using humans as sex slaves?” She inhaled sharply. “Or worse… What if they’re going to eat us? What if—”
“Don’t start that. Those people don’t know what’s going on any more than we do. We’ll stay hidden. Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe.” He ran his hand across her brow, wiping the long bangs away from her red-rimmed eyes.
“What about the others?” she asked, wide-eyed. “Do you think we’ll be able to catch up with them tomorrow?” She grimaced and rubbed her belly again.
“Yeah, we can do that.” He had to make her believe the lie. Whatever the case, they would never see them again.
It took more than an hour but they finally found a house safe enough to enter without the fear it would crumble around them. Although the modest brownstone leaned precariously on its side, it would do for the night.
Kane entered, kicking the debris out of his way, Anna’s limp hand planted firmly in his. The smell of mildew and decay overrode his senses. The dirt that caked the furniture told of its abandonment. Dust wafted through the air, stirring with each step they took. Her dainty hand that covered her nose and mouth did nothing to keep it from settling in her lungs. Anna coughed as he led her through to the living room.
“Here, sit down. I’m going to check the kitchen for food and bottled water.” He let her go, settling her in front of a loveseat, the only piece of furniture in the room that didn’t look as if it would break apart under her pregnant weight. “Don’t go anywhere.” He didn’t want her exploring before he could make sure the structure was safe.
He propped the two knapsacks next to her. His jangled and clanked as he set it down. Hers made a soft rustling noise. As alien bombs had rained from the sky and life as they knew was no more, he had grabbed supplies and tools needed for survival, while she had wasted precious time taking pictures out of frames and photo albums.
Anna’s warm smile was meant only for him as she eased onto the dirty loveseat, pulling the knapsacks closer to her. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.”
He couldn’t help but return her smile. This was why he loved her. Even in this, she still had her sense of humor.
He strode purposely through the double swinging kitchen doors and headed straight to the cabinets. He wanted to let out a frustrated scream as he flung open each one. Empty. Every cabinet he opened, empty. He frantically scanned the room, locking on what he sought.
The pantry.
He made it to the door and swung it open. Empty.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
His knees buckled underneath his weight. He grabbed the doorframe with a shaky grip. Anna needed to eat. She was already too weak to go on.
His mind raced as perspiration formed across his brow.
Calm the fuck down.
He needed to stay in control or they were sure to die.
How long since she last ate? Last night? What about water? This morning? Or was it yesterday morning? Shit.
He gripped the doorframe harder. There was something about the rule of three. What was it? Humans can live for three weeks without food, three days without water and three minutes without air. Past three and you’re dead. What about pregnant women?
Whiz, boom! A high-pitched screeching cut through the air outside.
The house shook and rumbled as it was hit. Kane watched in slow motion as the appliances on the countertop jostled and fell over. Seconds slowly ticked by as a glass coffeepot hit the floor, shattering into a million pieces on impact. A large mixer bowl fell to its side and rolled across the countertop. Kane’s heart stopped.
They’re here.
“Kane! What’s happening?” Anna shrieked from the other room.
Snapping back to reality, he jerked upright. “Anna! We have to get out of here now! The house is falling apart.” He bolted into the kitchen, pushing a dinette table out of the way and jumping over the chairs.
“I’m afraid.”
He found Anna curled against the cushions, as if sinking into them would save her from the attack.
Whiz, boom! A loud noise slammed across his brain. His hands flew to his ears and his jaw tensed shut. The house splintered and creaked around them. It could fall at any moment.
A cloud of dust crept ominously through the air, emerging from the back rooms, heading straight to them. Anna’s coughing racked her body as the heavy cloud billowed through the hall to the living room.
“Come on, baby. We have to get moving. Now!” Dust mixed with something acidic burned his throat with each breath he took.
He tried pulling her from the couch. She stayed planted in her seat. Her dazed eyes darted from side to side. She wouldn’t budge.
“We have to hurry before the house collapses!” He tried to get through to her.
After one blink, then two, she finally focused on him, put her feet on the floor and leaned forward. He pulled both of her hands, lifting her off the couch. Anna stumbled to stand.
“Our bags.” Tugging away from his grasp, she reached for them.
“Leave them!”
With a shake of her head, she scrambled to retrieve the bags. Kane snatched them out of her grasp and pulled her behind him. No more wasting time, they needed to get out of this death trap.
He stopped short at the door. His hand froze on the doorknob.
This is exactly what these bastards want.
Ignoring the heavy beating of his heart, the heavy pants from his lungs…he listened. Anna’s breaths were harder and heavier than his. Beside that…silence. He strained his ears to listen for any whizzing sounds, the telltale sign of a spacecraft above.
“Did they leave?” Anna asked in a hope-filled whisper from behind his shoulder.
“I’m not certain.”
He dared not move. They could still be out there, waiting.
“I think they’re gone. I don’t hear anything.” Relief was apparent in her voice as she stepped away from him. He watched her ease onto one of the broken stairs. “My stomach is hurting.” She lay back on her elbows, rubbing her oversized belly.
“Stay put. Try to stay calm. Once I know for sure that they’re gone, I’ll go out and find you some food and water.” He peered through the peephole of the door.
Where are those bastards?
“I don’t want you to leave me here alone. What if they come back?”
“You need water.” He gave her a reassuring half-smile before turning to the peephole. “Plus, you’re not getting rid of me that ea—”
A roar deafened his ears. Wood, metal and plaster erupted through the air. Direct hit.
Pain shot through him as debris rained down. His hands flew up to protect his face. He dropped to the floor, rolling to a fetal position. The house creaked and rocked around him.
He strained to open his eyes. Dust settled in them and burned. He snapped them shut.
“Anna!”
No answer. A dull ache thrummed in his ears.
Inhaling a lung full of dust, Kane coughed. “Anna! Come to me.” He threw out his hand, grasping at air. “We have to get out of here!”
Nothing.
He forced his eyes open. A cloud of dust obstructed his vision. The outline of the caved-in roof was the first thing he saw. He willed himself to a standing position and stumbled forward with outstretched arms. If he found the stairs he would find Anna.
“Anna! Anna! Answer me!”
His shoe brushed against something soft. Anna? His heart dropped to his stomach. Where would he find a doctor? What if she needed medical help? He grabbed at it.
An arm.
Anna.
Dropping to his knees, he frantically pushed the wood planks and shingles from her body, throwing debris in every direction.
Anna, please baby, be okay.
He pushed a piece of drywall off of her. His gaze settled on the broken body lying sprawled at an odd angle.
“Nooooo!” He gathered the remains of his wife’s charred, limp body. “Please God! No!”
About the Author

A. M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.
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