Tropical Temptation Read online

  She gestured to the colony surrounding them. Sure, there were a lot of people planning to leave, but plenty were staying. They’d be perfectly fine. Kaitie wasn’t assured.

  “Still… with me leaving, the awesomeness factor is going to drastically decrease.”

  Adi chuckled—she was going to miss Kaitie more than the other woman knew. But as much as that was going to be difficult, she was gaining the two loves of her life.

  “I’m sure that someday soon Arath will open routes between the two planets, and we’ll be able to come visit,” Saric assured them both. “If not, Kaitie will just have to borrow a ship to come back and visit us here.”

  “It won’t be long before you see each other again,” Duran added.

  That made Adi feel a little better, but she still couldn’t muster a genuine smile. Tears pricked her eyes and she sniffled. Kaitie noticed and groaned.

  “Don’t you dare!” she demanded, aiming a finger at Adi. “You know what happens when you cry—it makes me cry, and then we’re both hot messes of snot. I won’t have it! I’m not leaving yet, and I refuse to cry until it’s absolutely necessary.”

  Kaitie tightened her sarong, grabbed her beach towel, and began walking away towards home.

  “If you need me, I’ll be at home packing, and not crying,” Kaitie declared as she left, heading towards a ladder.

  “Is she alright?” Duran asked as they watched her walk away. Adi sniffled.

  “Yeah, she just doesn’t do well with signs of emotion.”

  “And how are you?” Saric asked, focusing all of his attention on Adi. She shrugged.

  “Once I get past the sadness of her leaving, I’ll be fine.”

  “You’re not regretting your decision?”

  Adrianna turned so that she could look at both males at the same time.

  “Not even a little bit,” she assured him. She took their hands in her own. “This is exactly where I want to be.”

  Two sets of smiles beamed back at her, and she knew that she’d made the best decision of her life.

  *****

  Behind the closed doors of her cabin, Kaitie cried (to her immense displeasure), even though she’d told Adi she wouldn’t. She hated crying, and had only done it one other time since her plane had crashed and they’d found out that they couldn’t return to Earth. But this time, she couldn’t help it: first Lauren was staying planetside for her two hunky mates, and now Adrianna was shacked up with the Heartbreaking Duo!

  I guess I’ve got to think of a new label for them now, she idly thought to herself.

  Although, she had been concerned about her best friend moving to Arath, and now she didn’t have to worry. Adi seemed genuinely content, and Kaitie was happy for her.

  It’s just not the life I want.

  The colony—although technically without borders—was constricting around Kaitie. With only trees to climb, and the same people to interact with, she was going stir crazy! She needed wide open spaces where she had room to be free: room to find adventure, and to seek out the next big thrill.

  I’ve got to get out of here!

  Her hovercrate was already carefully packed, and only awaited the last few essentials she still needed. The arrival of the Arathian ship couldn’t come fast enough. Patience had never been one of Kaitie’s virtues.

  She blew her nose, wiped her eyes, and plopped onto the sofa with her tablet. Electronic distraction was just what she needed. Right away she noticed that she had a new message from her sponsor.

  It began with, “Greetings, Katherine.”

  Already she was annoyed. How many times did she have to tell him that she never used her given name?

  “The Immigration and Refugee Administration is eagerly awaiting, and preparing for, your arrival. Until then, I’ve been asked to send you a list of rules you’re asked to abide by while you live in the Earther refugee apartments. The document is attached, and should be read and memorized before your arrival on Arath.”

  Kaitie had to stop and perform an epic eye roll. Memorize the rules… was he kidding? She didn’t do well with rules.

  Sighing deeply, she opened the attachment. I guess I should check out what I won’t be following.

  Her eyes skimmed the document… a hundred pages! Were they kidding? She laughed. Oh, they had no idea the can of worms they’d just opened.

  “Begin reply message,” she told her tablet. A blank message box popped up at the bottom of her screen.

  “Hey, so, let me introduce myself… Again: my name is Kaitie. It’s not Katherine. I’ve never been Katherine, and never will be.

  “Thanks for sending me the list of rules. I have a few corrections that you might as well make note of now:

  “Rule three: I will not have a curfew. I’m not a child.

  “Rule twelve: I will not eat a ‘balanced diet to ensure my health.’ I will seek out whatever junk you Arathians have, and I will be partaking of as much of it as I possibly can. I’ve been ‘living off the land’ for nearly four years… I’ve earned the right to put whatever I want into my body.

  “Rule twenty-eight: You will not have access to my apartment. I don’t care if you’re my sponsor and ‘concerned for my well-being.’ A woman doesn’t allow just anyone into her home! What kind of girl do you think I am?

  “Rule twenty-nine…”

  It went on like that for a while before Kaitie was satisfied, but she hesitated before sending the reply. If she was too snarky, could they withdraw her invitation to live on Arath? It wasn’t outside the realm of possibilities, and was something she couldn’t risk. Her pride would have to take a backseat to restraint… just this once. But nothing would stop her from sending the reply once she was safely onboard their transport ship.

  Kaitie smiled slyly to herself as she saved her message as a draft.

  The Arathians wouldn’t know what hit them!

  THE END

  Keep reading for a sneak peek at Nicole’s next book, Alien Revelation.

  Next book in the Arathian Series

  Releasing June, 2018

  “Da’… do we have to go?” Oliver whined for the dozenth time. Conall said a small prayer for patience, and adjusted his son’s tie.

  “Aye, we’re all going.”

  “But why? What’s so important? And why do we have to wear our church clothes?”

  Another deep breath for patience. “We’re wearing this because it’s not every day we get to meet a royal family.”

  “And because Grandma Clare said we have to,” Oliver added.

  Conall smirked. “That too. Do you want to be the one who disobeys her?”

  Oliver shook his head. “Not me.”

  “Me either. Now, on with your jacket and shoes or we’ll be late.”

  Conall grabbed his own suit coat and smoothed down his tie. They’d received an invitation that morning to have dinner with the royal trio, and although he suspected the family would meet them eventually, since they were good friends with Karo and Aevum, it was still something to be nervous about. He didn’t meet royalty every day.

  “Can I take my tablet?” Oliver asked hopefully.

  “No.”

  His face fell and shoulders slumped, almost comically.

  Conall knew that an entire evening full of nothing but polite conversation and best manners were torture for a ten-year-old boy, but he also needed to learn to suck it up. They’d all be uncomfortable in their suit coats and ties, trying to remember which utensil to use at dinner.

  “Karo and Aevum will be there,” Conall added, to hopefully lift Oliver’s spirits. “And I hear that the trio lives in a palace. Maybe we can get a tour?”

  It worked. Oliver brightened and slung on his coat. They were out the door in the next minute, and met the family in the garage. They loaded into the largest transport, and it automatically sped off towards the royal estate. It was a short trip, since their property bordered the royals’.

  “Whoa,” Oliver murmured with his face pressed against the wi
ndow. Conall agreed. Whoa. And here he thought their new house was huge. This made their mansion look downright homey. It was several stories high, had multiple wings, and large outbuildings. And that was just what they could see from the circular driveway!

  The transport stopped in front of an older man, who stood waiting for them. He opened the door and bowed.

  “Welcome to the Royal Summer Palace. I’m Palavi, and am happy to show you inside.”

  Clare climbed out first, Artair at her heel.

  “Thank you. My goodness, what a home!” she exclaimed.

  Palavi smiled broadly. He nodded politely to each of the other family members as they exited. “Yes, madam, it’s quite impressive,” he agreed.

  “All of this for three people?” Artair asked.

  “Not exactly, Mr. MacLeod. Along with the Princess and Princes, we have a household staff of twenty, and a contingent of Royal Guards who live on-site. Occasionally we also have the two younger Princesses, Queen, and Kings in residence.”

  “I didn’t know Jayda had sisters,” Ashlyn remarked.

  “Yes, madam,” Palavi answered. “Torei and Tolani are her younger twin sisters. Now, if you’d follow me, I’ll escort you inside.”

  Palavi led them down the path and into the palace. The inside was simple and elegant, not like the royal homes Conall had seen pictures of back home on Earth. The entry and hallways they traversed weren’t gilded in gold, or decorated with plaster. These were adorned with colorful art, most of which were landscapes of places Conall didn’t recognize. He assumed they were photos taken on Arath.

  They heard voices up ahead, and entered a comfortable room that was more intimate than others they’d seen. This one looked lived-in. Inside were Karo, Aevum, two Arathians, and a blonde man whom Conall assumed was Lukas. They all stood as the family entered.

  “Thank you, Palavi,” Jayda acknowledged as she stood.

  “We’re so glad you could come!” Aevum exclaimed.

  She came forward and gave Ashlyn a hug, followed by Reus, and Clare. Introductions were made, and Conall found the trio to be warm and inviting. They were like normal people, not what he expected rulers of an entire planet to be like. It was also surprising to have one of the most powerful people on an alien world be from Earth. Although by the looks of him, Lukas seemed like he could take care of business, and himself.

  “How are you settling in to your home?” Jayda asked as they all took seats.

  Clare answered, “Oh, just fine. You know, there’s a lot of work to be done, but I think that’s normal with any new house.” She paused to look around the room. “How long have you lived here?”

  “This home has been in my family for several generations. It was my parent’s favorite estate, so I spent the majority of my childhood here, until I went away to school. ”

  Deian continued, “It surprised us all when Jayda’s parents decided to use one of the other palaces as their primary residence and give us this one.”

  “You have more houses like this?” Oliver asked in awe.

  Jayda nodded. “We do, but this has always been my favorite.”

  “How come?” Oliver persisted.

  “I like that it’s outside of the city, and that we’re surrounded by a large area of wilderness. It gives us the illusion of seclusion.”

  “Why do you say it’s an illusion?” Ashlyn asked.

  Jayda smiled and gestured around herself. “We have a household staff and Guards stationed here, so someone is always within ear shot.”

  Conall saw Deian smirk and seem to be holding in a laugh. Obviously they’d had incidents in the past with privacy. If the three of them were anything like the mated couples, trios, and quartets he’d seen during his time on the Adastra, it was no wonder. Arathians were more open about public displays of affection than Earthers were.

  Clare suddenly jumped in her seat. “Oh! I nearly forgot that congratulations are in order! How are you feeling, dearie?”

  Jayda’s smile became radiant, and both men at her side took her hands. “Thank you. I’m feeling better than I was. Those first few weeks were rough.”

  Clare nodded in understanding. “I remember when I was pregnant. With Conall it wasn’t so bad, but with Ashlyn I felt like death warmed over. If I’d had her first, I never would have had a second.”

  “Thanks, Mum,” Ashlyn muttered from an adjoining sofa.

  Conall chuckled. They’d all heard a dozen times about how much Ashlyn had made their mother sick. He had a theory that even in the womb Ashlyn was a problem just waiting to happen. But he’d never tell her that. Well… he would… just not in front of strangers.

  From behind where Conall sat, a male’s voice intruded.

  “Please excuse me for interrupting. Lukas, may I have a word?”

  The voice slid down Conall’s spine. It was a deep baritone that made him think of darkened bedrooms and wandering hands.

  What the actual fuck?!

  No man’s voice had ever had that effect on him before. Conall was both dreading, and dying to, turn around and see the person that voice belonged to.

  “Can it wait?” Lukas asked.

  “No, my Prince, I’m afraid it can’t. But I’ll only take a moment of your time,” the male answered.

  Conall shivered—actually, fucking shivered—just from the sound of that voice.

  His eyes flew around the room to see if anyone else was having the same reaction as him. To his disappointment, they weren’t. Everyone was sitting politely, waiting for the conversation to resume. No one looked uneasy or unsettled like him. No one looked like their heart was going to beat out of their chests… like his was.

  When his gaze circled back, he belatedly noticed that Lukas had left his seat. Conall turned around, and barely caught the two men as they left the room side by side, heading down the nearest hall and out of earshot. But even that short glimpse was enough to know that the Arathian male had been much taller, and much broader, than Lukas. Conall was surprised to find himself disappointed that he hadn’t gotten a better look.

  What the hell is wrong with me?

  “That’s Brogan, a lieutenant in the Royal Guard,” Deian explained to the group. “He’s always looking out for us.” He took Jayda’s hand, and she gave him a tight smile.

  Brogan. Now Conall had a name to go with the voice and broad back.

  “Have the threats become more serious?” Karo asked.

  “What threats?” Clare added. “Has someone been threatening you?”

  Jayda sighed. “There are some who are… unhappy… that Lukas will be their High King, since he is not native to our planet.”

  Deian continued, “It started out as simple protests, but they’ve grown more aggressive since the coronation is drawing near.”

  “There are always going to be people who disagree with what we do,” Jayda added towards her mate before turning to address the rest of them. “In no way do I mind people protesting peacefully, or making their feelings known. What one specific group is doing is more serious than that.”

  “You don’t think they’d actually hurt Lukas, do you?” Aevum asked, concern lacing her words.

  Deian’s expression turned pained. “It’s a possibility.”

  “Nothing is going to happen to me,” Lukas corrected as he walked into the room with Brogan at his side.

  “There are dozens of people whose profession it is to make sure that doesn’t happen. The best of the best.” He walked over and kissed Deian’s temple. “You don’t have anything to worry about.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that,” Deian retorted.

  Conall didn’t like the thought of the royal family being in danger. In the very short time he’d been exposed to the Arathians and their world, he’d heard nothing but positive things said about the trio. What Conall disliked even more was the way his eyes drank in his first good view of Brogan.

  Conall’s initial thought had been correct: the male was taller and broader than most Arathians he’
d seen. He nearly dwarfed Lukas, who was not a slight man.

  His clothing did nothing to make him seem more inviting: black and dark grey, from his form-fitting tshirt, down to his boots; a weapon at his hip, and a forearm encased in some sort of technology. Add in the bulges of muscle that his clothes only seemed to enhance, and the male looked like a walking weapon.

  Even Brogan’s face was rough hewn. He had an angular jaw, cropped hair that was only slightly longer on the top of his head, and piercing dark green eyes, which roamed over everyone seated… including Conall.

  He tried not to react as Brogan’s eyes settled on him.

  Conall watched the green orbs slide down and up his body, before locking onto his face. Conall had no idea what expression he wore, but the corner of Brogan’s mouth lifted into a half smile, before he bowed his head to Conall in a polite greeting. Conall reciprocated in what he hoped was a causal, (my straight world is being rocked by an attractive same-gendered otherworlder) no-big-deal gesture.

  Nope, there was nothing strange happening today. Nothing that would cause a grown man to ask himself what the hell was going on inside his own mind—and his body.

  Am I getting hard? Conall turned forward in his seat, and glanced down as casually as possible to check his own crotch. No tenting.

  Thank God! How would be ever be able to explain that to his son, who was sitting right next to him.

  Finally, some snippet of the conversation lodged in Conall’s frazzled mind.

  “So far the threats have all been aimed at Lukas. We’re fairly certain that’s because he’s from Earth,” Jayda explained.

  “No matter the reason, I refuse to hide away because there are nut-cases out there,” Lukas stated.

  “You could at least start carrying a weapon again,” Karo suggested. “I’m sure your skills have not diminished too badly since you left Earth.”

  Lukas nodded in agreement. “Thanks, Karo. I’ll take that under advisement.”

  Conall was just about to ask how serious the danger was, when Palavi entered the room. “Everyone, lunch is served,” he said with a bow.

  “Thank you Palavi,” several voices chimed together.