Free Alien Romance: The Barbarian's Owned: Scifi Alien Abduction Romance (Alien Romance, Alien Invasion Romance, BBW) (Celestial Mates Book 1) by Marla Therron

tree.
    Each floor was partitioned into rooms—though nearly all stretched back to the tree’s trunk, so that in any room of the house there were massive windows making up the circular outer wall.
    There was a circular door at ground level and, inside, a foyer with chairs and tables made from wood, carved marble, and soft padding.
    Easing off her feet, Rae let out a groan of satisfaction. The burning of blisters and sores eased off, and she suddenly doubted her ability to stand again.
    Vaya never sat. She assured Garr she’d march through the night and get the sample directly to Kaython’s Mouth. Before departing, she winked at Rae. “Enjoy the amenities. When I’m back, maybe you’ll be in a more pleasant mood.”
    Rae glared at Vaya’s retreating back, realizing she had been left alone.
    With Garr.
    Her mind flashed with the image of him ripping the squid monster in half and Rae sank deeper into her chair, staring, pulse suddenly quickened.
    The prime watched from his throne of stone and velvet, relaxed. His powerful shoulders and casual pose worked together to give Rae the impression of a lazing tiger.
    He considered her as though she were a morsel and he didn’t know if he had the energy to stalk over and devour her.
    Rae worked her dry mouth. Her skin prickled all over and she reflexively drew her heels up beneath her, hugging her knees. He’s never hurt you before, she insisted. He’s safe.
    Examining the room to avoid his predatory gaze, Rae thought it had some charm. The furnishings were wood, but not made from boards—many tables, mantles, and shelves appeared to have grown from the tree itself.
    The interior doors were round like hobbit doors, but with rustic metal latches instead of the traditional central doorknob.
    One of those doors creaked open and a slender, raven-haired creature with glittering, solid amber eyes toed cautiously into the room. Her insubstantial demeanor and the fact she’d come from the old wooden door made her appear as though she were a dryad who lived inside the tree.
    “Prime Garr.” She bowed until her glossy hair fell over her face and pooled on the floor. Then a second bow, just as deep, to Rae. “And his taliyar.”
    “Dr. Rae Ashburn, meet one of my homestead’s maidservants, Sylla.” Garr made the introductions without quite peeling his eyes off Rae.
    The girl stooped a third time. “I am at your service.” It seemed servile and overdone. Rae wondered if she would have to behave like this in Ythirian society. God, she hoped not.
    Garr showed neither approval nor disapproval. He gestured at Sylla with one hand. “Stand. You may leave us. Tomorrow, see to my mate’s needs.”
    Again with the bowing. Vaya had never displayed this level of deference, and from the slight annoyance that graced Garr’s face, she realized Sylla might be overdoing it a little.
    “You’re certain you don’t require me for any purpose?” Sylla asked in a breathless way that kind of bothered Rae.
    “I do not. Good night, Sylla.”
    She faded through the door, disappearing from sight without having made a sound beyond the words she’d spoken. Rae stared after her, trying to assess why the girl’s behavior had irritated her so deeply.
    I’ve met two Ythirian females, she realized. If they turn out to be more like Sylla than Vaya, I’ll wind up a very bored prisoner.
    The realization left Rae cold on the inside. She hugged her knees tighter and shivered. In the comfort of the tree house, far from Lyr and her portals, Rae now knew she would never go home again.
    The terrible sense of loneliness worked through her, leaving a yawning emptiness inside her that was colder than the twilight dark outside the tree house.
    “Are you feeling ill?” Garr asked.
    “No.” Rae settled her jaw onto her knee and suddenly realized how little any of this mattered. Her fate was finally sealed. “I miss home.” A tear burned from the corner of her eye and she swiped it away, embarrassed for crying