Broken: The Discordant Earth Series 1.0 Read online

  “Nothing... I just worry about her, is all. This baby is doing things to her body. It’s simple stuff, right now, but where does it end?”

  “No way to know, I’m afraid.” Alyssa tried to sound unconcerned.

  Granny didn’t look convinced.

  “It’ll be okay. Please don’t worry.” She gave Granny a comforting smile.

  “I’ll try not to, Alyssa. You’re all I have left and I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “Well, hopefully, nothing will happen except having a precious baby just like little Lyssa.”

  For the next hour, they passed the baby around and ate cookies. When Kora took Lyssa back to feed her, Granny, Alyssa, and Jess gave her some privacy while they made sandwiches, Granny insisting on making extras for Jordan and Kora to take with them.

  “You’re too skinny, and that commander sent all this extra food to feed you, anyway. He doesn’t need to know you’re not eating it here.”

  Eventually, Jordan and Isa returned. Granny offered Isa a sandwich, but she politely declined.

  “This ordeal has worn me down.” Isa clasped her hands in front of her, as she lowered her head. “I believe I shall spend the rest of my evening and tomorrow in quiet reflection. I do hope you understand.”

  “Sure, dear,” Granny said. “These are stressful times.”

  “I look forward to hearing from you soon, Jordan.”

  “I’ll contact you as soon as a decision is made.”

  “Thank you for your time and consideration,” Isa said, gazing longingly at Lyssa, before she exited through the kitchen door.

  Everyone turned to Jordan, unsaid questions hanging in the air.

  “I’ll talk to Sebastian in the morning.”

  Alyssa cleared her throat. “What do you think?”

  “Well, she seems sincere, and Shar says we can trust her. Apparently, Shar’s been using her as an informant for a while now.”

  “You don’t say...” Granny raised her eyebrows, impressed.

  “It would be helpful to have someone in there with me.” Alyssa looked at Jordan, imploring. “I’d feel better knowing I’m not alone in that office, surrounded by the enemy.”

  “I agree with you, Aly. You’re walking around a field of landmines without a lifeline. I hope she works out.”

  “Me too. I think I’ll talk to Sebastian about it tomorrow. How should I get there, Jordan?”

  “I can pick you up at the gate whenever you want.”

  “We can meet here. I have my own vehicle now. That way it looks as if I’m here at Granny’s.”

  “That’s your ride out there? Made me nervous seeing a strange vehicle outside.”

  “You were nervous about the bugs hitting the windshield,” Kora said, making everyone laugh.

  Jordan scowled at Kora, but quickly softened, looking chagrined.

  “I’ll meet you here just before sunset, if that’s okay. I’d like to spend the day with Sebastian since I’m returning to work Monday morning.”

  “You’re going back to work?” Granny and Jordan both zeroed in on her.

  “Who’s Sebastian?” Jess piped up, eyebrows hitting her hairline.

  Kora giggled behind her hand.

  “I talked to Kayn, and he agreed to a part-time schedule.” Alyssa huffed at the group. “Jess, I’ll tell you about Sebastian on our way home.”

  With everyone satisfied, they finished eating their sandwiches, Jordan and Kora leaving soon after, baby and large bag of snacks in tow. Alyssa and Jess said their goodbyes to Granny and drove back to the compound.

  Alyssa shared everything that had happened since her discharge from the med pod while Jess listened on with shock and awe. When it came to revealing her feelings for Sebastian, her best friend gawked at her with wide, shiny eyes, only teasing Alyssa a little.

  “Sebastian is so kind, Jess. He makes me feel so safe and secure. I didn’t know it could be like this.”

  “We do have a skewed view on relationships. Thankfully, our aliens are nothing like Kora’s.” Jess clamped her mouth shut, cheeks red. “Sorry, I take that back. Maybe Lorn is one-of-a-kind.”

  “I think you’re right.” Alyssa nodded. “You’re going to call him, right?”

  “Yes, I’m going to call him as soon as I get home. But, Aly, how do I do this?”

  “What?”

  “Live on the compound knowing almost every alien I see is in on this nefarious scheme… How do I tell my parents?”

  “Talk to Lorn. He’ll help you, and I’ll do what I can too. Let me talk to Sebastian first though. We need to be ready to get you and your parents out of there.”

  “Do you think it’s going to happen soon?”

  “Final Asen’Sha? No, I don’t. I got the impression the scientists need a few more years to get the correct formula for mass genocide.”

  “God, when you say it like that... I don’t think I’ll be leaving my quarters anytime soon. Maybe just to see Lorn.”

  “Keep to yourself, Jess, and pack a bag. Be ready for a quick escape.”

  “I will.”

  Chapter 20

  “Hey, darlin’.” Sebastian greeted Alyssa with a sweet, lopsided smile, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  “How are you?” He asked, rubbing his face against the top of her head.

  Sighing with contentment, Alyssa buried her face in his chest.

  “Better now.” She breathed in his unique scent before looking up at him.

  A small, delighted smile played at the corners of Sebastian’s mouth, and Alyssa couldn’t resist anymore. Perching on the balls of her feet, she reached up to kiss him with all the pent-up passion she’d been holding in since they were last together as he sensually explored her mouth with his tongue.

  Releasing her mouth, Sebastian gazed into her eyes with his own twinkling orbs. Mesmerized, Alyssa let him lead her into the room they shared, barely noticing the room had changed, looking more lived in.

  Sebastian steered her to the bed, where he sat on the edge, and pulled Alyssa close, situating her between his legs. Taking advantage of her position, Alyssa mashed her mouth against his, kissing him with all her might and explored his mouth, nipping at his lower lip. Thick, wavy strands of hair caressed her fingers as she slid her hand up the back of his head, holding him with gentle force.

  A deep rumble rose from Sebastian’s throat as he leaned back, sliding her body up onto his without letting go of her mouth. Coming up for air, Alyssa gazed into his cobalt eyes and studied his handsome face, running a fingertip along his scar. Sebastian gazed at her, warmth in his eyes.

  “I heard you had an eventful day yesterday.”

  “I did...” She stalled, unwilling to break the moment.

  “Hmm,” he said, catching on.

  For nearly an hour, they reveled in each other. Alyssa got so excited, she almost gave in to her desire, right then and there, but fortunately, or unfortunately, Sebastian was a pillar of restraint.

  “You want to go to the courtyard? You’ve been gone too long, and this bed is a dangerous place for us.”

  “I agree,” Alyssa said, cocking her head to the side. “I’ve been gone too long, and I kind of like it here in this bed. It’s nice and private.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Yeah...” Alyssa’s eyes wandered over his perfectly sculpted face. “In fact, I think I want to stay in this bed all day long.”

  “We can do that.” Sebastian brushed his lips along the edge of her chin.

  “We should get more comfortable.”

  Raising an eyebrow, Sebastian studied her expectant expression. “How comfortable?”

  “Completely.” Alyssa smirked, pursing her lips mischievously.

  “Are you sure? I thought you wanted to wait.”

  “I did—” she nipped at his nose “—but I’ve had a few days to regret my choices.”

  “I don’
t want you to think you have to give it up to keep me interested, darlin’.”

  “I promise I don’t think that.” She looked directly into his eyes, conveying her sincerity.

  Sebastian nodded once, satisfied with her response, and sat up, holding her in his arms. Gently, he laid her down against the pillows, straddling her hips.

  Alyssa slipped off her sneakers and grabbed the hem of her V-neck T-shirt, but Sebastian caught her hands, setting them aside. Cool, strong fingers slid the cotton fabric up her torso, his palms grazing the sides of her breasts, tantalizing her as she peered into his smoldering eyes, biting her bottom lip.

  Sebastian pulled her T-shirt up over her head, trapping her arms, then dragged his fingertips down the tender flesh of her captured arms, the sensation sending spikes of desire through her body.

  Alyssa squirmed as his palms glided over the cups of her bra, her erratic breathing pushing her chest hard against his hands. Sebastian moved down to kiss the sensitive skin above her belly button, a loud gasp escaping her at the touch of his moist tongue, fingers kneading the flesh of her sides, and his hot breath tickling her skin.

  Sitting up, Sebastian yanked his black shirt off, eyes glued to her blushing face as he pitched forward to pull the shirt from Alyssa’s trapped arms, startling a squeak out of her. She smiled at him seductively, reaching out to massage the muscles of his stomach, where his skin pebbled with goosebumps at her touch.

  Alyssa slid her hands down his waist, slipping a finger into the waistband of his camouflage pants, giving a little tug, encouraging him, and he hastily slipped them off. Fumbling out of her yoga pants and bra, her skin prickled with the cool touch of the sexually charged air.

  For several breaths, they stared at each other’s naked forms. Sebastian’s lithe body took her breath away, every muscle so well defined, and unable to resist, she slid off the bed to kneel before him. Sliding her hands up his thighs, she grazed her fingertips along the velvety skin that begged for her attention, which she readily gave.

  Focused on the delicious man in front of her, Alyssa lavishly worshipped Sebastian’s statuesque form, as she studied and memorized the feel of his skin under her exploring fingers and caressing lips. He quaked and shuddered, gripping her shoulders.

  With a ragged breath, Sebastian yanked her up, smashing his mouth against hers, melding their bodies together. Pulling his head back, he studied Alyssa with hooded eyes then abruptly tossed her onto the bed, and she squealed with surprise and delight. He prowled after her as she scooted her body up with her elbows towards the head of the bed.

  Grabbing onto her thighs, Sebastian halted Alyssa’s upward movement. With a naughty smirk, he dragged his wet lips up the inside of her thigh, and she gasped, falling back onto the fluffy pillows.

  Hot breath caressed her aching skin, and a cry burst from Alyssa’s lips when his mouth began to explore her. Sebastian attended to her thoroughly, caressing her tender flesh with a gentle touch as she writhed and moaned, mind reeling from a pleasure she’d never known.

  Erotic sensations overwhelmed Alyssa as her hands gripped the blankets, and her head burrowed into the pillows. A slow, gradual heat built within, like the lazy flow of molten lava, and her eyes clamped shut, moans and gasps bursting from her lungs.

  Alyssa called out his name, begging for relief. With an urgency, Sebastian’s ministrations hastened, giving her what she wanted, what she needed until she cried out, bucking against the bed as the dam burst, flooding her body with sweet ecstasy.

  Sebastian crawled up the bed as Alyssa melted, gulping in air. He lavished her with wet, hot kisses, and pressed his body into hers, filling her quivering center. Intoxicated by his spicy musk, her senses drank in his carnal essence, and she arched her back, breasts crushed to his chest.

  “Oh God, Sebastian!”

  He growled in response, arms trembling, carefully moving in and out, each gentle thrust pulling eager sounds from them both. Reaching up to grab her chin, Sebastian locked his lips to hers, his tongue searching her mouth as Alyssa threw her arms around his shoulders, wrapping her legs around his waist, clinging to him, desperate to touch him with every part of her body.

  The heat built slowly as Alyssa tossed her head back, riding the euphoric waves. Grunts and groans came from Sebastian as he drove himself deep inside her, until he thrust her over the edge, and fire burst throughout her body.

  Screaming his name, Alyssa clutched him tight and bit down on his shoulder to quiet her screams, pulling a moan from Sebastian. With a stuttering rhythm, his body spasmed inside her, making her writhe with pleasure, a long, deep groan spilling out of his throat as he thrust one final time.

  Neither of them moved for several breaths. Alyssa slowly drifted back to reality, feeling the delicious aches that would serve as delightful reminders of this beautiful experience. Sebastian lowered himself onto the bed beside her, gulping in air as he scrubbed his hands in his hair, staring at the ceiling with a small smile curling his lips.

  “Sebastian, that was, uh—” Alyssa scoured her brain for the right words “—that was incredible!”

  “I’m glad you think so.” He chuckled with a lopsided grin.

  “I do. I really do.” She held her palms against her forehead as she chuckled to herself.

  Sebastian rolled onto his side, laying his palm over her small baby bump. “Was it what you expected?”

  “That was nothing like I expected.” She brushed her fingers over the back of his hand. “You are nothing like I expected.”

  A hint of uncertainty flashed in his eyes. “Is that a good thing?”

  “Oh, yes, it’s a very good thing. A fantastic thing. You are fantastic, wonderful, phenomenal, magnificent, sensational— “

  “Okay, okay—” he fell back, laughing “—I get it. You enjoyed yourself.”

  “More than enjoyed. I loved it. I want to do it again and again and again. I didn’t know it could be like that. I’ve only ever been with, well, you know who, and it was good, but both times it ended when Asen’Sha took over. That was great, but this just felt so natural and real and… right. You know what I mean?”

  Alyssa turned to see Sebastian’s eyes gleam with amusement, his endearingly crooked smile playing on his lips, filling her heart with joy and contentment.

  “I know what you mean, darlin’. I really do.”

  ***

  “So, what do you think about Isa?”

  Alyssa and Sebastian shared an early lunch in their room, the sultry air glowing in the soft light beaming around the edges of the window blinds as she lounged against the arm of the sofa, legs draped over his lap, plate balanced on her shins. Sebastian’s arm laid across the back of the sofa, fingers grazing her bare shoulder.

  “I spoke to Shar and Lorn. They back her completely.” He popped a grape into his mouth.

  “That’s a huge relief, Sebastian. I like her, and she’s always been good to me.” Alyssa grinned, joyous energy flowing through her body, making her feel as if she might burst at any second. “It’s nice to know she’s on our side, you know?”

  An amused smile graced Sebastian’s handsome face. “Right. Shar’s bringing her here next weekend for the rest of the group to meet her.”

  “That’s good.” She wobbled her head at Sebastian.

  Smirking, he shook his head, tossing a piece of bread at her.

  “Hey!” Alyssa blew a raspberry at him, to which he shrugged.

  “So, darlin’… what changed your mind?”

  “Well—” she paused for effect “—I got some good advice from Granny. Plus, you’re all I could think about all week.”

  “Same here. Pretty sure everyone thinks I’m a lovesick puppy.”

  “Are you? Lovesick that is.”

  “Would it scare you if I was?”

  Alyssa pretended to think real hard while Sebastian waited with a serious face, one eyebrow cocked.

  “No, it wouldn’t scare me. I’d be happy.”

  “Yeah?”

&
nbsp; “Yeah.” She stared at him, expectantly.

  Sebastian moved the plate off her legs, leaning in close as her heart, a wild animal, slammed against her rib cage.

  “Alyssa Rose—” his whispery voice tickled her skin “—I think I love you.”

  She let out a long, happy sigh. “I think I love you, too, Sebastian Roberts.”

  Chapter 21

  “Ow!”

  “Only a couple more, honey.”

  Kelly slid another vial into the plastic tube attached to the needle poking out of Alyssa’s arm as she glared at the other five vials of her thick blood laying on the tray, silver threads, like mercury, swirling through the viscous fluid.

  “Is that silver stuff normal?” Alyssa asked.

  “That’s the Valene, and yes, actually, it’s a fifty-fifty thing. Some mothers have it and some don’t. Yours is more pronounced than any other I’ve seen, though.”

  “Why are you taking so much blood?”

  Kelly shook her head with a little sigh. “The commander ordered additional blood work.”

  “Why?” What the hell? Hasn’t he taken enough from me yet?

  “Ela doesn’t tell me much, but it seems to me they want to monitor your physiological changes.”

  “Hmm. Probably so they can see how effective Kayn’s superior genetics are. Do you see my new skin special effects?”

  “I did notice you sparkle in this bright light.” Kelly chuckled at Alyssa’s puckered face.

  A loud boom echoed throughout the room, rattling the door and knocking things to the floor. Alyssa yelped, and Kelly braced herself, as they looked at each other, startled.

  “What the hell was that?” Alyssa asked, grabbing Kelly’s hand.

  “It sounded like an explosion.” Kelly quickly removed the needle from Alyssa’s arm, slapping on a bandage.

  They dashed out of the exam room to find chaos and destruction in the prenatal classroom, the outer wall turned into extraterrestrial rubble. Dust floated in the air in a suffocating cloud as Ela and Shar helped Katie to her feet while Erica cowered in the kitchenette.

  Several men, all in black, climbed over the rubble, two of them dragging a struggling Angie over the jagged pile of the pod’s metal wall. Alyssa ran after them, screaming.