By
Mardi Maxwell
Blurb:
Krystali enchantress Belle of the
House of Arlyn stands accused of spying and has been banished from her
community. The truth would exonerate her but she doesn’t dare tell it. As an
enchantress she can provide for herself except when it comes to defense. For
that she needs a worthy warrior.
Zarronian warrior Ronin Hughson
recognized Belle as his mate the moment he saw her. Eager to bond, he
approached her and was immediately put off by her spoiled behavior. After
consulting with the starship’s doctor, he believes Krystali will produce a kinder mate for him. In the meantime, he feels
drawn to protect the spoiled enchantress.
Belle makes sure he knows she
doesn’t want him anywhere near her. Ronin makes sure she knows he’s the only
warrior willing to protect her. Resigned to traveling together they try to
ignore each other, but Ronin’s mating fever and Belle’s troubles set them up
for a destiny they can’t avoid.
Excerpt:
Ronin Hughson shoved his way through the crowd of
hostile Krystali warriors and their enchantresses. With his pack hooked over
his shoulder, and freedom just a meter away, he hesitated then moved another
step closer to the exit. The battle beginning behind him was one he had every
intention of missing. A rarity for a Zarronian warrior who spent his life
fighting and searching for his mate.
Behind him, Bellya of the House of Arlyn, stood
alone in the center of the room. Angry Krystalis surrounded her, determined to
deliver the punishment she’d worked so long and hard to earn.
He told himself to keep going. Don’t look back.
Don’t look at her. Don’t—damn, too late. His head swiveled as if he had no
control over it.
She stood alone, surrounded but in no way
defenseless. Still Zarronian warriors were taught to protect females and she
was quite a sight. Tall and curvaceous with long dark wavy hair and soft brown
eyes. Plump lips made for kissing and hips a warrior could hold onto during the
most intense moments of passion.
Her chin was up and the expression on her face
dared the crowd to do their worst. Although he abhorred her arrogance he
couldn’t help but admire her bravado. He took another step toward freedom then
with a curse he turned back. Honor forced him to stay because whether he liked
it or not the blasted female was his mate!
The moment he’d seen her he’d known she was the one
female in the universe who could save him. The joy, relief and excitement he’d
felt had been overwhelming until he’d actually met her. She’d been rude and
obnoxious and had treated him like saber cat scat.
He’d made allowances for her. Telling himself she
was young and inexperienced. That they’d just gotten off to a bad start, and he
needed to go slowly with her. Now, after spending more time with her, he knew
she was the last female he wanted as a mate
He had six moon phases before the Zarronian mating
fever blazed out of control and killed him. Bonding with Bellya would save him
but he’d rather choose a warriors’ death in battle. Ironically, either choice
would have him fighting for his life.
Disappointed that he’d finally met his mate and she
was so wrong for him, he’d spoken to one of the starship’s doctors. Borg Veeson had advised him to wait a while
in case another Krystali female drew him to her. He’d traveled from one
encampment to another, meeting hundreds of Krystali females. None had caught
his attention, or raised his fever a single degree. Discouraged, he’d returned
to Bellya’s village.
Now, looking around he wondered if one of the other
Zarronian warriors would step forward to protect her. Most of them weren’t even
paying attention to the proceedings. The few who were appeared to do so only
out of curiosity.
Cursing them, he watched as the crowd closed in
around her. She, of course, appeared bored and put out with the entire
proceedings. An attitude that increased the tension in the room. It also increased
the rage of the people around her who were ready for a bit of well-earned
revenge.
Sighing, he moved to within a few meters of her and
prepared himself to save her.
His movement drew her attention and for a moment
their eyes met. Her eyes hardened as she gave him a disdainful get lost look then turned her back on
him. He growled with anger and clenched his hands to keep from reaching out and
pulling her over his knee so he could swat her delectable bottom
About the Author:
I have four siblings but I've always been the odd ball of the family. My parents used to tell people they had two sons, two daughters, and Mardi. lol I love looking at life from many points of view so that must be why I love the quirky and unique. I believe in UFOs, ghosts and that we have a space station on the dark side of the moon.
When I read I like romance with BDSM, suspense, and lots of tears and laughter, as well as a happy ending. That's also what I write.
People ask what I do when I'm not writing. I'm just running around, living my life. I'm a terrible gardener (everything dies) but I refuse to give it up. I like to cook but only when I'm in the mood so most of the time its microwavable veggies and cold fruit with cheese. And don't forget that glass of wine during my evening Wine and Reading Hour. I love to travel, but then who doesn't, and I love just hanging out with family and friends
Where to find Mardi on the Internet:
