Zekke: A Scifi Alien Romance (The Azziarin Series Book 5) Read online

  Zekke

  By

  Hannah Davenport

  Copyright January 2016 Hannah Davenport

  Title: Zekke by Hannah Davenport

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal, except for the case of brief quotations in reviews and articles.

  Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  The characters and events in this book are not real and are figments of my imagination.

  Book Description

  This book can be read as a standalone book.

  A military male at heart, Zekke wants no part of having a mate. Mates make one weak, vulnerable; he would rather be on his warship, fighting the enemy. When King Mallik orders that Earth be protected, Zekke doesn’t hesitate. He was born to command a fleet of ships; it’s what he lives for. But what he finds on Earth is the very thing he’s trying to avoid.

  Ava Thompson, a sergeant with the United States Army, barely escapes the initial attacks that destroy most of the military. A few like her have survived, and now she is second in command of the ragtag group of six who try to protect the city each night from the Tureis. Every night is the same guerrilla warfare for her—until she comes face to face with a white-haired alien, and her world is turned upside down… again.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  Prologue

  Azziar

  Everyone sat around the ridiculous-looking tree. Chloe had an insistent look on her face as she handed Zekke a gift, almost daring him to refuse. He was slow to reach for it; she smirked and then shoved it into his hands. A smile threatened to tease his lips, but he held it at bay. Of all his brothers’ mates, he liked Chloe the most. She was a fighter. At one time, she had saved his brother’s life.

  While on Earth, Sydney had also saved Takkeo’s life, but she didn’t fight to do it. It was her courageous spirit and kind heart that led her to help his younger brother.

  Looking down at the elegantly wrapped present, he turned the box over, feeling the weight. It was an odd tradition. On Azziar, they did not wrap presents in shiny paper; they just presented the gift.

  Taking his time, Zekke flicked one end, which was secured by tape, and then the other. The paper fell away, and he gently opened the box. With one eyebrow raised, Zekke stared at the dagger before palming it in his hand. He was instantly impressed with the choice of the gift. The weight was perfect in his large hands, the cold steel sharp. He traced the edge with his finger and knew he held a deadly weapon. Oh, the things he could do with it. The handle was made of fine wood and had the royal crest engraved into it. A fine choice for a gift.

  He placed the weapon next to his thigh and watched the others talk and laugh. His eyes slid lazily to Jakke and Sydney. They were expecting a youngling any standard day. His brother couldn’t be happier, but Zekke believed Sydney diminished Jakke’s power. He shifted his eyes from Jakke and Sydney, only to land on the quiet Risshi and Mara. Risshi loved her immensely, and they suited each other.

  Kollin had been kidnapped and handed over to the Tureis. He hadn’t chosen Krista for his mate—the Tureis made that choice for him. Thankfully, Krista and Kollin fell in love. Sliding his eyes to Dazz and Chloe, Zekke contemplated the strong couple. She was the only mated female who knew how to fight well, for a human, at least. She couldn’t outfight an Azziarin, but she could hold her own until help arrived, and that counted for something.

  Watching the loving couples, he wondered what it would feel like to have someone of his own, someone to depend on… trust… love. He almost snorted at the thought as he shook his head slightly in annoyance. Love and trust went hand in hand and made you vulnerable—weak! He curled his lip in disgust.

  He had watched his father mourn his mother’s death. They weren’t true mates, but he did love her. Chassita, Meullan, and Rowanna, the king’s consorts, also mourned his mother’s death. His father’s good spirit became muted after that. Family gatherings became a thing of the past as each of his brothers and his sister dealt with her loss in their own way.

  His mother wasn’t the only female whose death was mourned at that time. When the Tureis attacked Azziar, good males were brought to their knees when faced with the loss of not only their mates, but also daughters, mothers, friends. No, he didn’t want or need a mate.

  His eyes shifted to the tree once again. His brothers’ mates had adorned it with lights and decorations that hung from the branches. They had never really explained the purpose of the tree. It was a puzzle he couldn’t figure out. What race would dream of cutting down a healthy tree just to drag it inside the dwelling? How could they even think it was a good idea? He briefly wondered what their Earth looked like. Probably treeless, he mused.

  The sound of laughter tickled his ears, bringing him back to the gathering. Enjoying the sound of his family’s happiness was the only thing he would silently admit to. Long ago, he had enjoyed these family gatherings when his mother still lived.

  They would gather at least once a standard week to share a meal. Laughing had at one time come easily for him, but not now. Now he focused on making sure the Tureis never again got the chance to cause such devastation to Azziar.

  When the Christmas feast ended, Zekke thanked the females for the gift and the wonderful meal, and headed to the training fields, a large grassy area just outside the castle, where he spent the better part of every standard day. Training with his males took up the majority of his time. Unlike his brothers, Zekke was a hardcore military male who preferred to live on his ship.

  That night, when he entered his rooms, Briella and Shanna were waiting for him. Azziarin females were much different than humans. Just like the males, they all had white hair, tan skin, and blue eyes. Human females, at least the ones he’d seen, had dark hair, round dark eyes, and large breasts with curvy hips. They were unlike the females from his planet, who had fewer curves and were flat-chested, except while they were carrying young, when their breasts temporarily became larger.

  Briella stood three standard inches taller than Shanna, and she often wore her hair up, while Shanna let hers cascade down around her shoulder. He had briefly thought about taking them to the festivities today just so he wouldn’t be alone, but he knew that it would upset the humans.

  Not that his consorts were that important to him—they were just a way to relieve his pent-up energy. They knew that. He never hid it or made them believe otherwise. It was their choice to stay or not. Unlike his mated brothers, Zekke didn’t form emotional ties. He visited his consorts’ rooms, and after they’d all enjoyed themselves in bed, he’d go back to his sleeping chambers to rest.

  He didn’t fool himself into believing that they cared for him, either. They loved the prestige that came with being a consort to a prince. The other females looked at them with envy. Most people believed that he was easily bored, thus changing consorts often, and he said nothing to correct this belief. When his consorts realized they couldn’t change him, they sought other relationships, ones that offered emo
tional ties.

  He entered his suite of rooms; Briella sat on the couch with her legs tucked underneath her. Looking up at him, she smiled. “How did it go today?”

  “Fine,” he replied as he headed to his sleeping chambers.

  He quickly removed his form-fitting black uniform and donned a pair of loose trousers. Barefoot and shirtless, he headed to the living area and poured a mug of Fire’s Breath. After taking a seat on the couch, he sipped his strong drink and thought about his brothers. He didn’t envy them, didn’t want a mate, but he did muse over the idea of having someone love him for who he was, not where he came from. It was obvious to anyone near the human females that they loved their mates, and his brothers loved them.

  All the females on Azziar were curious about the human mates, but not in a good way. Many were angry at them for ruining their chances of mating a prince. Sydney took the brunt of the anger. She’d mated Jakke, the next in line to lead Azziar.

  He took another sip before Shanna took a seat and snuggled up next to him. “So, what are they like?” she asked as her fingers drew circles on his bare chest.

  He took another sip before giving her a questioning glance. “Who?”

  “The humans. Are they like us?” He could her the curiosity in her voice.

  “No.” Maybe it was a mistake for Jakke and the others to keep their mates from other females on Azziar. It only caused more dissent.

  “Please, tell us,” Briella asked, snuggling up on his other side.

  He swallowed another sip with annoyance and then answered, “They argue, talk back to their mates, and have minds of their own.”

  The horrified looks on both Shanna’s and Briella’s faces made his lips twitch slightly. Maybe it was best to keep the humans away from the other females, lest they change their way of life.

  “We can make you feel better than any human.” Briella spat the word human with such distaste that Zekke slightly raised one eyebrow, but he said nothing. He could feel the dislike for his sisters-in-law rolling off his consorts in waves.

  Just as he took another drink of Fire’s Breath, he felt a hand grab his shaft and squeeze. Shanna rubbed his bare chest while Briella gripped his shaft through his trousers.

  “We can make you feel really good—so good, you’ll never want a human,” Shanna whispered seductively in his ear.

  “Not tonight,” he said as he continued to sip his drink. After watching the happy couples this morning, the last thing Zekke wanted was to join with someone.

  His consorts were beautiful, and every male (besides his brothers) envied him, but he felt only vaguely friendly towards them. Not that they didn’t try. Every now and then a little thread of doubt would slip in, and he’d wonder if maybe he was emotionally defective.

  After draining the last drop, he said, “Good night.” And with that, he left them sitting on the couch while he stalked off to his sleeping chambers, closing the door behind him.

  Chapter One

  Azziar

  (Two Standard Weeks Later)

  Zekke walked purposefully down the corridor, heading to King Mallik’s office. When he entered, he took up a post on the far wall, keeping the door and all his brothers in sight. His eyes quickly scanned the room. Jakke and Kollin leaned against the other wall. Dazz sat casually in the chair, and Risshi and Takkeo took up the couch, the two of them talking quietly to one another.

  King Mallik’s office was impressive, even to him. Large tapestries adorned the walls, adding just enough color. The massive desk was made with the rarest, most expensive wood; intricate etchings lined its edges and legs. Their father’s jeweled mug rested on the table where he’d left it. Even the polished floor with its plush rugs was something to behold.

  King Mallik walked in and took a seat at his heavy wooden desk; he let his gaze touch on everyone present before he began speaking. “It has been brought to my attention that the human females are worried about their home planet, as is expected.” He leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers together. “I don’t know how it’s possible, but humans are proving to be true mates to our species, and thus it is our responsibility to help and protect them.” Zekke shifted his weight from one leg to the other.

  “Is it possible that one of our ancestors visited Earth a long time ago?” Kollin inquired.

  “Anything is possible. Just look at how often they can bear young…” King Mallik shook his head, “and you realize anything is possible. Any suggestions on how to protect their planet?”

  Zekke felt excitement flow through his veins. He lived for missions, and this was right up his alley. He waited, giving the others a chance to state their ideas. When nobody offered a solution, Zekke spoke. “I will lead a fleet to Earth. Since the others are mated, and Takkeo is not yet old enough, I recommend that Kavven, Kassim, and Kainn take command in Jakke’s, Dazz’, and Kollin’s place. They are very capable. I also recommend that Sukku command his own vessel, as well.”

  Kavven had served as Jakke’s second in command on the Victory, Kassim had served on the Conqueror with Kollin, and Kainn and Sukku had served on the Defender with Dazz. They were the best and most trusted officers, and the obvious choice for replacements.

  “Agreed,” Jakke said. “Kavven and the others will make fine commanders.”

  Dazz and Kollin nodded their agreement while Risshi and Takkeo sat silently, not offering any suggestions.

  “Then it’s settled.” King Mallik looked to Zekke. “How much time do you need to prepare?”

  Zekke held his gaze while he thought about the situation. The Triumph and the other ships needed to be fully stocked with enough supplies to last for several standard months, maybe up to a standard year. “Two standard weeks should suffice.”

  King Mallik pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows. Zekke knew his father doubted he could get everything ready that quickly, but time was of the essence. He could feel it somehow—anticipation hummed throughout his body, and it unnerved him.

  The King addressed Jakke, Dazz, and Kollin. “Inform your seconds in command that they are now commanders, and help them prepare the vessels as though it were your mission.” To Zekke, he said, “Decide which other ships you wish to join you on this mission. You’re in charge.”

  “Yes, Father,” Jakke replied. Zekke and the others nodded. They filed out one by one. Zekke left the meeting as Fleet Commander by order of his father, the king, bearing the ultimate responsibility for the safety of all ships and the success of the mission itself.

  Zekke took long strides, quickly heading to the training fields to find his second in command, Rhett. The sound of swords clashing drew his attention, and he found Rhett sparring with Kassim, a worthy opponent. Even though time was of the essence, Zekke crossed his arms and watched the match. They were both fine officers, skilled in hand-to-hand combat and deadly with a phaser. Zekke heard the harsh grunts as they attacked and retreated. Two steps forward, two steps back. When Rhett swung his sword, the power behind the swing took Kassim to his knees. Zekke’s lips twitched as he watched. He had to give Kassim credit, though; he never once let go of his sword.

  Rhett stood victorious over Kassim, his sword hanging by his side as he breathed hard. He extended his hand to Kassim and helped his fellow soldier to his feet. When he spotted Zekke, he trotted over. A sheen of sweat covered his naked torso and dripped from his brow. That also spoke volumes about the difficulty of besting Kassim.

  “Commander,” Rhett bowed slightly.

  “We have a mission.” Zekke’s excited eyes bored into Rhett. They had worked together often, and Rhett knew what needed to be done. “We leave in two standard weeks.”

  “Understood,” he replied as a grin spit his face. Rhett never cared much for being planetside. “How long will we be gone?”

  “Unsure, but plan for a standard year.”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  Zekke left Rhett on the training fields. He needed to notify other soldiers, order supplies and make sure the ships were
readied for the mission, everything needed to make it a success. Rhett would be the one to oversee the actual work.

  When he finally made it to his quarters that night, the suns had already set. Briella and Shanna met him naked at the door. They were both beautiful, and he loved looking at them. But tonight he wasn’t interested. Ever since the Christmas dinner and seeing his brothers happily mated, he hadn’t been interested in joining with his consorts.

  Not wanting to hurt their feelings, he smiled at them as he entered his quarters, kissing them on one cheek and then the other. He headed to the wooden table that held the decanter of Fire’s Breath and poured a mug full. After taking his first sip, he turned to face his consorts.

  “I need to talk with you both,” he started and then waved his hand toward the couch. Dread showed on Briella’s face, while Shanna just looked confused. He’d thought about this all day and knew it was the right thing to do. After the two females sat down, Zekke continued. “I have undertaken a mission and will be gone for an indeterminate amount of time. I will not have you waiting on my return, so I think it’s best we part ways now.”

  He watched as they absorbed the information, giving them time to process what he’d just said. Although other consorts had come and gone, these two had stayed at his countryside home while he was away. They had been with him the longest (which was not really that long by Azziarin standards). Briella was the first to speak. “You do not want us as your consorts?” Being a consort on Azziar was not shameful; it was expected, even when a male had a mate. That was their way of life. At least it had been until the humans came and changed the rules. Humans refused to be with a male who had consorts.

  “It is not fair to have you wait for me. I may be gone as long as a standard year.”

  Shanna glared at him with knowing eyes. “You never cared before.” She cocked her head and studied him. Dawning showed on her face when she hissed, “You want a human as a mate!”