Free Sex, Love, and Aliens 2 by Beth D. Carter, Ashlynn Monroe, Imogene Nix, Jaye Shields Page A

between herself and the other woman.
    Dria balanced on the balls of her feet, ready to move when Marcus did. He rushed the woman, fast as lightning. Even as Floss turned and fired, the door burst open again and three Galecians entered. Marcus wavered, a flash of red appearing on his clothes, then he slumped to the floor.
    “ Nooooo! ” Dria swept around, leg raised to attack Floss. The sound of her foot against Floss’s leg made a thwacking noise. The tiny weapon fell to the floor, and Dria dove for it. Her hand clasped it and she turned, rising up.
    “Wait, Turana !” The lead Galecian raised both hands in an attitude of treaty.
    Dria panted and waited. “Leave him alone!” She waved the weapon from side to side, unsure which currently was the bigger threat, her mind scrambled by the knowledge that Marcus was hurt.
    The officer turned to her, then pointed at Marcus who groaned. “He’s injured, but it’s not life threatening. Should I offer medical assistance, Gurdu?”
    The leader, Gurdu, looked in her direction. “Yes. Have Manteru take the female human into custody.”
    “What?” What the hell was going on? Dria shook her head. “What are you doing here? Earth is a protected planet under the Callistan Agreement. Galecia has no business here.” Her voice wobbled, and she silently acknowledged her words were full of bravado.
    Marcus was injured, Galecians were there with weapons, and there were maybe six other humans somewhere out there. Why weren’t they in here?
    The whine of a transmitter filled the air, and a tactical guardian from her own planet appeared before her. The gold and yellow of his uniform and the purple pips told her of his position as Commander. “ Turana , we’re here on your father’s orders.”
    The gun she’d been holding slid to the floor with a thud. “My father’s orders?”
    Joruzan, her step-grandfather, materialized beside her. “Commander, Ist’an, Turana . I see all is...” His voice broke off, and his gaze locked on Marcus. The one who’d first advanced had knelt beside him and was already cutting away the material from his wound site.
    “Would someone please explain what the hell is going on?” She looked at Joruzan. “You, Joruzan. Explain to me what is happening.”
    “Your father and the Galecian , Ran’uzan, created a political alliance three years ago. When the ruler, Amu’zan, passed on. Emperoer Ran’uzan became the next in line to the throne, after Emperor Vil’nak. Emporer Vil’nak died two days ago. Ran’uzan immediately enacted a treaty and sent Gurdu, his second, to deal with this situation. He’d been aware that there were factions that coveted Earth. Ran’uzan neutralized them and wants to enter into treaty negotiations. Their power base has dwindled with Vil’nak’s desire to colonize and has left them open to attack.”
    Dria looked at the man she’d known for so long. “But why wasn’t I informed about...”
    Joruzan smiled enigmatically. “Until now, you didn’t need to know.”
    Anger coursed, scalding her. “So instead you sent me here, put lives at risk—”
    “That’s enough, Dria! This is neither the time nor the location for such a discussion. You will be recalled soon to discuss this with your father. Until then, you will hunt out the rest of the Incubi and deal with them.” He dismissed her by turning his back. “Thank you for your assistance Gurdu. The Turaa will, of course, require your report, as no doubt will your leader.”
    “If you are ready, Ist’an?” The leader spoke to the one treating Marcus, who was now sitting upright, his face tight but the bleeding diminished.
    “Yes, sir.” Ist’an gave a tight bow, then he and his people disappeared.
    With an angry look in Joruzan’s direction, Dria moved to Marcus and crouched down. “Are you okay?”
    His gaze was distant, but he was alive. “I’ve felt better.”
    She lifted a shaking hand to his face. “I’ll bet. Let’s go home.”
    He nodded,