Project: Adapt - Achieve: A Space Fantasy Alien Romance (Book 2) Read online

  Copyright © 2019 Jade Waltz

  Project: Adapt - Achieve is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  All rights reserved.

  Published by: Jade Waltz

  First Edition: December 2019

  E-Book ISBN: 978-1-7335136-6-1

  Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7335136-7-8

  Cover Artist:

  PreMade Book Covers by Atlantis Book Design

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  Formatting services provided by Purple Fall Publishing

  Husband,

  Thank you for supporting me with this crazy adventure.

  You understood I needed a channel to express myself and to put the stories in my head into words.

  I love you.

  Jason,

  Thank you for everything.

  If it weren't for you, I would be some lost girl still looking for some help.

  Readers,

  To all the alien lovers who would wear a "Take Me!" shirt when aliens come to abduct us - this is for you.

  This book is the beginning of an expansive universe.

  I hope you all will take this incredible journey along with me.

  ~Jade Waltz

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  Selena

  If someone told me that in seventeen days, I would be free from the Yaarkins hold, have two males dedicated to me, and give birth to three cubs, I would tell them they were delusional.

  The last few days were a blur—an exhausted and happy blur. It was hard to believe I brought life into the universe just eight hours ago.

  Who knew being a new mother of three newborns was so much work?

  I was glad to have both of my nestmates, Master Scholar Xylo and Musician Odelm, to aid me in feeding and cleaning the cubs. They were supportive throughout the whole process. It made my heart flutter when I watched them interact with the cubs when they thought I wasn’t looking. I knew in my gut, they would be good co-fathers and was glad to have them in my life.

  Xylo explained the labor and delivery of the cubs was the most excitement they’d had on the ship the last five years. No one wanted to miss out on anything historical or monumental, so everyone made sure we had a few extra hands helping us.

  Breastfeeding the cubs was interesting for them to witness because their species didn’t have any interactions with their newborns, and it surprised them how natural it was for my body to provide for all three cubs. Once Circuli offspring were born, they were automatically placed into hatcheries in which they grew unaided, surrounded by other hatchlings until they were a year old. If they could survive on their own, they were deemed worthy to enter society.

  “Are you well?” Xylo whispered.

  Pulling my attention from the Docking Bay’s doors, I took in my mates’ worried expressions.

  A heavy sigh escaped me. “I’m as fine as I can be. It’s more like I’m worried about what will happen once those doors open.”

  Xylo stepped closer and brushed my long silver hair behind my shoulders as his teal eyes searched mine.

  “Please tell me if you feel anything—whether it is pain, discomfort, or exhaustion. I know your body is able to self-heal quickly, but you need to take into consideration that you just delivered earlier today. If you start to feel unwell, let us know, so we can make sure you are all taken care of.”

  “I promise. I will let you know if I start to feel any changes, but I don’t want to seem weak or fragile in front of them since this is their first impression of me.”

  Odelm stepped closer and wrapped an arm around me.

  “You are brave. You’re a new mother who just delivered three cubs and should be recovering in the comforts of your cabin. Instead, you’re here prepared to face your future. Remember, no matter what happens, Xylo and I are proud to be your nestmates and would never leave you.”

  Grabbing Xylo’s hand, I leaned into Odelm’s embrace, sandwiching myself between them. I closed my eyes, soaking in the feeling of being surrounded by my clan—my nestmates and my cubs.

  Opening my eyes, I leaned forward and gently grabbed Xylo’s face with both of my hands, feeling his cool, scaled skin as I tried to put all of my appreciation, love, and thankfulness into a gentle kiss on his fuzzy lips.

  “Thank you both for taking care of our clan.” His lidded eyes watched me as I turned toward Odelm, whose gaze traced my body as I reached for him. Knowing what I wanted, he closed his eyes and met me halfway as I poured the same feelings into his sweet kiss.

  I dropped my hands from his face and leaned into his side, observing my clan.

  The cubs were still peacefully asleep in each of their slings, oblivious to what was happening around them.

  Moments like this made me believe that everything would be all right. Surrounded by those who loved me, they gave me the strength to believe I could accomplish anything.

  The Circuli colony ship, Destiny, was docked in the Aldawi sector of the CEG Headquarters Space Station, and we were waiting for permission to board.

  I surveyed those surrounding us as we waited patiently for the doors to open. The three healers were nearby, talking with each other. Prince V’dim and Prince Z’fir stood by the docking bay doors, briefing their security staff, tense and wary expressions on their faces.

  My gaze fell on the one male who had been avoiding me ever since he left my side. Not once had he checked up on the status of the cubs or me. I didn’t care if he was embarrassed about what happened between us. It hurt; that one moment seemed to have ruined our friendship. Perhaps I was right in thinking his duty would always trump everything else.

  Kaede lifted his head from his armband as if he felt my gaze. I looked away, not wanting to deal with him before we met the welcome party. If he wanted to clear whatever was between us, he would already have done so. I didn’t need to embarrass myself by becoming emotional over him.

  “The welcome party is here. It is time,” Kaede announced.

  I addressed my nestmates. “No matter what happens, know I love you both. I want to thank you for ev
erything.”

  Xylo placed both of his hands on my shoulders and locked his pupilless teal eyes with mine. “Stop thinking negatively. The Aldawi rulers are fair. You have nothing to worry about. We will go wherever you go.”

  “It’s time to get in formation,” K’dyth announced.

  Xylo nodded and gently turned me around.

  Kaede was to lead our group through the docking tunnel to the Aldawi’s Royal Docking Lobby with both princes, and K’dyth following closely behind him. The rest of the security team would be spaced out behind us.

  Requiring this much security in a place that was supposed to be safe concerned me.

  Did they really think traveling with me would bring so much unwanted attention? Was there a hidden threat I should know about? Or should I be worried that my greatest nightmare of being transferred from my old masters, the Yaarkins, to new ones, the Aldawi, would become reality?

  A loud hissing filled the air as the doors slid open.

  Our parade followed Kaede down the windowless metallic corridor. Every step I took made a clicking noise from the black boots they told me to wear, adding to the tense atmosphere radiating from those surrounding me. Slowly, I pulled up the black hood of my cloak to block the cool air from hitting my face. Secretly, I hoped it would hide my hair from any spectators.

  I knew it was pointless. Kaede was the only other person in this line dressed other than me, and he was in front. Of course, if anyone knew who was who among the procession, they would know I was the one hidden under a cloak. But I still felt braver with it on because it covered all the spots on my skin. The only ones capable of seeing them would be those close enough to peer underneath my hood.

  I just wanted to get this all over with. I didn’t know how I was going to deal with the sire of my cubs. It was too hard to guess what would happen once those doors opened. I hoped the few laws I had learned could sway any arguments in my favor. The one thing I didn’t regret was the time I spent with Kaede, who gave me a lot of advice about Aldawi and CEG laws.

  I hoped that would be enough.

  I could see the tunnel getting brighter as we continued to its exit. Only the sound of our walking filled the silence, and that worried me.

  Wasn’t there supposed to be a welcome party?

  After being lectured about how important it was to stay in line, I was afraid to lean past K’dyth’s body to see. At moments like this, I hated being so short.

  Suddenly, K’dyth halted in front of me. I barely stopped in time to prevent myself from crashing into his back.

  By the Stars, what happened?

  We had arrived in the Royal Docking Lobby. To my surprise, multiple Aldawi in black, purple, and silver bare-chested outfits were standing at attention, around the room, their faces hardened as they watched us intently.

  “Prince Royak Zarcaw, Heir to the Aldawi Throne, Ruler of the Nerawm Star System, and Prince Zirene Zarcaw, Second Prince to the Aldawi Throne, Ruler of the Lunkai Star System, welcomes Prince V’dim of the Ulax, and Prince Z’fir of the Wudox to CEG Headquarters,” a growly, deep voice boomed.

  The Aldawi guards spread their legs shoulder length apart and crossed their arms across their chests, with their hands tightened into fists, as they chanted, “By the Crown.” They swiftly dropped their arms back to their sides and returned to attention.

  As my gaze skimmed over the Aldawi princes, a familiar pair of amethyst eyes locked onto mine.

  What did I get myself into?

  Chapter Two

  Zirene

  Zirene’s body was buzzing with anticipation as he stood next to his littermate and slightly older brother, Royak.

  A few days ago, he requested Royak come to CEG HQ to help him with the dire situation regarding Selena and the cubs. His brother was skeptical, but he knew better than to doubt Zirene after he first discovered what they were now calling demi-humans nine years ago. Zirene knew with Royak on his side, the rest of the CEG would be hesitant to go against his claim on Selena and their cubs. They wouldn’t want to offend both the heir and the heir apparent of the Aldawi Empire.

  “Are you sure about this?” Royak whispered.

  He met his brother’s pale lavender eyes. “You know who she is to me and what I would do to have her by my side.”

  “I stand beside you, brother. Always. I just wanted to make sure you haven’t reconsidered.”

  “After waiting for almost nine years, I am ready to have her fill her spot next to me, where she belongs.” Zirene eyed the doors where Selena and her party would soon enter.

  Royak sighed. “If she is the answer to the problem all CEG scientists have been trying to solve, we may have a battle on our hands.”

  “They can try,” he hissed.

  Royak placed a paw on Zirene’s shoulder and squeezed it, moving into his field of vision.

  “I am not your enemy.” Royak locked his eyes onto his and narrowed them. “You know you are the one I want by my side when I take over the throne. If you want her, you need to follow my lead. I would do everything in my power to protect her and your cubs.”

  Zirene returned the gesture and nodded. “Thank you, brother. I would be in your debt.”

  A smile pulled at Royak’s lips. “There are no debts between us. You know this. You will be my greatest ally when I rule.”

  They both nodded before facing the doors again.

  Their royal personal guards were positioned near them but against the wall. Zirene believed they weren’t necessary, but Royak wanted to put on a show to ensure everyone’s safety and demonstrate their strength. Zirene wanted a more intimate atmosphere and hoped Royak’s show wouldn’t scare Selena, something he didn’t want or need.

  “Tell Agent Kaede we are ready to welcome them,” Zirene commanded the nearby officer.

  Thoughts of his future plans for her and her clan flashed through his head as he waited for her to appear through the doors. There was nothing he wished more than for her to forgive him and want to have him around.

  The party entered with Agent Kaede in the lead. His gaze passed the Circuli princes and their Head of Security, to two males flanking a caped figure. Instinctively, he knew it was Selena surrounded by all of those males.

  When the party spread out in an arch formation to kneel on behalf of both Royak and him, she stood as if dazed by the display in front of her.

  Of course, she would. She’d never seen a formal greeting between two allies, nor planetary customs before.

  This was her first time officially off a ship after being raised on one, then waking up on another. Starting today, she would experience many firsts.

  Firsts he wanted to be a part of.

  Zirene took in a deep breath.

  She looked even more magnificent than the last time he saw her. Even with a black hooded cloak hiding her, he could see her clearly. Her silver hair was longer, framing her bronze face. The dark green dress she wore hugged her curves, making him want to run his paws all over them. She wore a matching sling draped in front of her.

  Zirene recognized the two Circuli males beside her, each equipped with identical slings they held protectively, eyeing the others in the room. They must be her nestmates. Kaede had reported how supportive—and needy—they were. They were the ones he would have to learn to live with if he became a part of her life. He knew she would never forgive him if he sent them away, to never see her again, not after what he did to her.

  That wasn’t his plan. He knew Circuli males were extremely loyal to their nestqueens. Nestmates would care for and protect their nestqueen above themselves at all costs. That was something he couldn’t find for her anywhere else.

  When her gaze landed on him, her eyes locked on his, sending a shiver through him.

  “On your knees—”

  “It’s you, isn’t it?” His Nova’s voice rang clearly in the air.

  “You dare disrespect Aldawi Royalty?” barked Royak’s Guard Leader, Karwyln, looming over Selena with his hand raised, trying to intim
idate her into submitting. The other guards hesitated, not knowing if they should aid their leader or allow her a pass of judgment.

  Her dark blue-green eyes filled with anger as she tore her gaze from him to Karwyln.

  A loud hiss escaped her lips as she wrapped her arms around the sling that laid beneath her breast. Her lips pulled back, flashing her teeth as a rumble from her chest filled the room.

  Anger flooded Zirene as his focus landed on Karwyln.

  In a blink of an eye, he shifted into his shadowform and shadowjumped, appearing between Karwyln and Selena.

  Selena gasped.

  Zirene pulled in a deep breath and roared, exuding his dominance on the room.

  Karwyln staggered back and fell on his paws and knees, leaving his neck exposed to Zirene. In a ripple effect, one by one, the others in the room followed. Zirene slowly spun and eyed everyone in the lobby, daring anyone foolish enough to challenge him. The only ones left standing, brave enough to meet his gaze, was his brother Royak, his Nova Selena, and her two nestmates. Her nestmates had their appendages extended, caging her in, their bags forgotten on the floor, tucking their slings behind them.

  It surprised him to see them proud before him, immune to his dominance even though their Circuli princes were on the ground beside them. Something he would have to look into.