If the Scorching had lasted much longer, Maggie wasn’t sure she would have survived it. Even after falling into a long, dreamless sleep on the second night, she still felt like she’d run back-to-back marathons. She had delicious aches in the most interesting places, which was why she was lingering in Joran’s shower, letting the hot water work its magic while she tried to wrap her head around everything that had happened since meeting Joran.

She was mated to an alien. An alien prince. That much, she’d accepted. One look in the mirror had confirmed her eyes were a blazing emerald now, just as Joran’s were now a gleaming gold. He’d gained access to his powers too. At least, that’s what he’d told her. He could snap his fingers and summon a flame that danced on his outstretched palm without burning him. It didn’t burn her either, a fact they’d discovered when he’d burst into flames during sex. She laughed as she recalled the look on his face.

Everything about their time together had been memorable, but now that her mind was clear again, she had questions and concerns that Joran didn’t seem to be taking seriously. For him, it was obvious. She was his mate, and that meant she would be returning to Pyros with him. She had to make him see that for her, it wasn’t so simple.

She had a life here. Friends she cared about. She wasn’t going to abandon her entire world and follow him across the galaxy because of a damned spark and two days of lust-fueled fireworks. Granted, they’d been the best fireworks she’d ever experienced, but that wasn’t enough to make her turn her back on her friends and her plans. Nice, safe plans for a small and simple life. There was nothing small or simple about moving to an alien world as the mate of a damned prince.

She returned to the main room of Joran’s quarters and smiled when she saw that Joran had laid out her freshly cleaned clothes for her. Or maybe he’d had one of the service droids do it. He seemed to enjoy ordering the machines around, sending them to fetch everything they’d needed for the past few days. The droids, and the guards. God, she’d nearly died of embarrassment when she first realized they weren’t alone on the ship. No matter how good the soundproofing was, they had to have heard enough to know exactly what she and Joran were up to.

Once she was dressed and she’d done what she could with her hair, she left his quarters and wandered the ship, looking for him. She hadn’t been outside his room since they’d come on board, but something guided her through the ship, as if she could sense his presence, which didn’t seem possible. But then again, impossible things had been happening with alarming frequency of late.

Her instincts led her to another door panel, and she waved her hand over it, unsure if it would open for her. It did, and the moment the wall vanished, she was hit with the enticing aroma of breakfast. A real, human breakfast, with eggs and bacon and buttered toast. Her stomach rumbled loudly, announcing her arrival even before she could say hello.

“I thought you’d enjoy something familiar to eat, so I sent my men to pick up a takeout order.” Joran hesitated slightly over the slang phrase, but it was still amazing to her that he hadn’t been able to speak any English at all less than a month ago. He crossed the room and offered her his hand, flashing her a pleased smile when she took it.

Instead of leading her to the table, he turned and faced the two men standing at the far end of what must be the dining area. A gleaming table was surrounded by comfortable looking chairs. The floor was the same soft-hued orange as the rest of the ship, but the pale-coloured walls were livened up by several large monitors displaying pictures of what must be Pyros. The sky was a paler shade of blue than Earth, and there were two moons in the sky in several of the pictures.

Joran spoke, and she turned her head to watch as he said something to the others in his own language, then spoke in English. “Guardsman Tarjen and Keth, this is my mate, Maggie O’Hara. Maggie, these are two of my most loyal guards. Now that we are mated, their duties include keeping you safe at all times.”

Both men saluted, right arms crossing their chests, palms flat against their crisp black uniforms. “It is an honour to meet you, Highness,” said the taller of the two. Both of them looked about the same age as Joran. They had dark hair and normal eyes, which she now knew meant that neither of them had found their mates, yet.

“Please, call me Maggie. I’m not going to know who you’re talking to if you address me by Highness. That’s him, not me.” She tilted her head towards Joran.

The guards’ eyes widened, and they both looked to Joran with confused expressions. Joran scowled at her. “You’re my mate, which makes you their princess. The title is an expression of respect.”

“Two days ago, I was a barista who didn’t believe in aliens. Today, I’m mated to one. There are limits to how much I can adjust to, and I’ve pretty much reached them. There are a grand total of four people on this ship, so for now, can we please not worry about titles?”

“For now.” Joran looked like he had more to say, but he was interrupted by the disembodied voice of the ship’s computer. She had no idea what it said, but Joran reacted like he’d been hit with high voltage. He replied in his language and then turned to her. “My parents have made contact and wish to speak with me. Do you wish to be introduced now, or later when you’ve had more time to adjust?”

“Your parents? Please, not yet.”

He flashed her a small, supportive smile that reminded her that he wasn’t all bad. Arrogant, yes. Bossy, definitely. But he was also sweet and charming.

“I understand, and I’m sure they will, too. This has not been easy for you. I’ll be back soon. Until then, enjoy breakfast.” He was gone a moment later, leaving her alone with his guards. She corrected herself. Their guards.

She took her first real look at the food laid out on the table and laughed. Pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausages, eggs done several ways, and an entire platter of pastries was laid out, along with at least three different types of toast and disposable coffee cups that all had different notations on the side. “There’s so much here, we’ll be eating breakfast for the next three meals. So, what’s been your favorite so far?”

“This repast is for you, High- Maggie. Keth and I will eat later.”

“So, you’re going to stand there and watch while I eat?” She shook her head. “I don’t think so. Both of you, take a seat and help yourselves to anything you want while it’s still warm.”

Neither of them moved, and she decided it was time to test her new status. “C’mon, you two. Sit. Or am I going to have to make that a command?”

“It’s not protocol.” Tarjen protested, but she saw the way he was looking at the waffles and knew he was tempted.

“I’m betting it’s not proper protocol for the Crown Prince to fly across the galaxy to abduct his mate, either.”

Keth spluttered, and Tarjen actually grinned for a split second.

“That’s what I thought.” She took a seat at one end of the table and searched through the coffee cups until she found one marked as a simple latte. As soon as she took a drink, she started feeling better. This was something familiar. Her stomach growled again as the enticing scent of cinnamon wafted past her.

The two guards were finally seated, but neither of them had started filling their plates, yet. “If you don’t know where to start, I recommend the coffee. Joran seemed to like it. Oh, and if you like sweet things, try the pastries. If you prefer savory, go for the meat and eggs. And if you can’t decide, try the waffles.” She gestured to each item as she mentioned it, then pointed to a container full of cinnamon rolls. “I’m starting with one of those, if you would please pass them to me?”

Fifteen minutes later, they were laughing and talking between bites of breakfast. Once they had gotten used to the idea of eating with royalty, Tarjen and Keth turned out to be good company. Better yet, they had served in the military with Joran, and it hadn’t taken much prompting for them to start sharing stories of their time together.

“You two really need to meet my friends. I think you’d get along great. Who knows, maybe they could wind up being your mates,” she said around a mouthful of toast.

“As honoured as we would be to meet with your friends, we aren’t permitted to take a mate from this planet.”

“What do you mean, you’re not permitted? Joran said there were several of your ships in orbit right now, each with males looking to acquire mates from different parts of Earth.”

Tarjen nodded. “There are. But those males are of…” he paused as he considered the correct phrasing. “Better birth than we are.”

An icy knot formed in the pit of her stomach. “You mean they’re only allowing the rich and powerful to claim Earth women? I still don’t agree that any of you have the right to take us away from our homes. But it’s even worse that you’ve come all this way, and they’re not even letting you have a chance to find your mate. This is so screwed up.”

“There’s too much at risk. If the— oof.” Keth’s sentence ended in a hiss of breath as Tarjen elbowed him in the stomach.

“If what? What’s a risk?” What else had Joran forgotten to mention?”

“You will have to ask your mate that question,” Tarjen told her.

“Oh, believe me, I’m going to.” She put down her fork and pushed her plate a few inches away. She wasn’t hungry anymore. “Maybe by the time we come back for a visit, things will have changed, and I can introduce you to…shit.” In all the chaos, she’d forgotten that Lisa had also gotten a match on the Star-Crossed Dating site.

“What concerns you?” Keth asked, his food forgotten as he reacted to her outburst.

“My friend, Lisa. She signed up for the same website I did, and she got a match. Does that mean she’s been targeted, too?”

Keth glanced over at Tarjen, looking mildly alarmed. They spoke to each other in Pyrosian, but she managed to catch a single word she recognized. Vadir.

“That was his name. Do you know him?”

“You will have to ask—“ Tarjen started to speak, but she cut him off by slamming her hands down on the table so hard the dishes rattled.

“Don’t you dare tell me to ask my mate again. You’re supposed to be loyal to me, right? So, talk.” She folded her arms across her chest and tried to look commanding. “And that’s an order.”

“Vadir was brought to Earth on the same vessel as the prince. He was matched to a female in your city. Since only two females were matched from this location, it is very likely your friend is his mate,” Keth said.

“I guess that’s good news. We can travel together when we come home to visit.”

Keth frowned. “At the risk of angering you again, Highness. I suggest you speak to the prince about your plans to return to your planet in the future.”

“You have got to be kidding me. He can’t expect me to leave everything behind and never come back.” She held up her hand before either of them could comment. “I know what ‘talk to your mate’ means. It means I’m not going to like what I hear.”

She rose from the table, her hands fisted at her sides to hide the fact they were shaking. She needed to get away from here, away from Joran and this ship and all the craziness. She was finally clear-headed again, and she had a lot to think about. “How do I leave this ship?”

The guards were already on their feet, but both of them froze at her question. “You wish to leave?” Tarjen asked.

“I do. I just need one of you to tell me the way to the exit.”

Neither of them said a word, but Keth shook his head almost imperceptibly. “You need to stay here.”

“So, you’re going to make me order you to tell me how to get out of here?”

“Our duty is to keep you safe. That is the one and only time we can disobey your orders. Leaving this ship without the Prince or one of us with you is a risk we cannot allow you to take.”

“Seriously?” She stared at them, her frustration making it difficult to come back with a wittier response. “I live here! I wander through this city every day, all by myself, and survive just fine. I’ll find a cab or a bus and make my way home.”

“Maggie, we’re not in the city anymore.” Keth said a few words in Pyrosian, and the monitors all changed. The views of Pyros were gone, replaced with the deep greens and dappled shadows of the forest.

“You moved the ship.” She didn’t bother making it a question. Joran had said the teleportation device only worked for short range, and there was nothing like this primordial forest that close to Vancouver.

“Once we were back aboard, yes. It’s easier to keep the ship undetected away from urban centres.”

She was trapped on board this damned ship. Yet another thing Joran had forgotten to mention. She gave her guards a tight-lipped smile and tried not to let her frustration show. None of this was their fault. “Thank you for explaining. Since I can’t go anywhere, else, I’ll be in Joran’s quarters. Please tell him to come find me when he’s finished speaking to his parents.”

“We’ll relay your message,” Tarjen said.

“Turn right and then go straight until you pass the fourth door. Your quarters are the next door on your left,” Keth added.

“Thank you.” She headed back the way she came with a head full of questions and a heart that weighed heavy in her chest. How much was she willing to sacrifice to make things work with a man she barely knew? More importantly, was Joran willing to sacrifice anything at all? If not, then this was never going to work.

Joran had ended his conversation with his parents on a high note. They had been elated to hear that he was mated, and could not wait to meet Maggie and welcome her into their family. His good mood had lasted until he’d returned to the dining area and heard from Keth and Tarjen.

Now, he was standing outside the door to his own quarters, bracing himself for the firestorm waiting for him within.

“I know you’re out there, so you might as well come in,” Maggie called out in flat tones.

He should have known she could sense him. The bond between them was strengthening by the hour. They would never be alone again because they would always be able to sense the other’s presence. The bond was different for each couple. Some mates could barely sense each other, while others could feel their partner’s emotional state from a great distance. Only time would reveal how strong their link was.

He opened the door and stepped inside. “Maggie, I’ve been informed you are upset, and that you have more questions for me. Whatever you want to know, I’ll explain as best I can.”

His lovely mate was sitting on the corner of the bed, arms wrapped around herself and her head bowed.

“Is this how it’s going to be, Joran? Is this what it means to be your mate?” She lifted her head, and his heart lurched when he saw the tears on her cheeks.

“I don’t know what you mean, seska. This is new for both of us.”

“That’s just it. I don’t think this is all that new for you.” She gestured around her. “This is your ship. You’re here with your men. You expect me to give up everything to follow you to your planet. What’s changed for you?”

“What’s changed for me? Everything!” I didn’t think I had a mate. I’d come to accept that I was going to be the last of my line. That I would never rule. That’s all changed now. Everything will be different when I get back, and while I am grateful to the Gods for gifting me with a mate, I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with the rest of it. This isn’t easy for me, either, Maggie.”

“You don’t want to be king someday? I thought that’s what this whole thing was about? Why else did your people only send the rich and powerful to claim mates? If this wasn’t about you, then why aren’t Keth and Tarjen even in your precious database of potential matches? They came all this way, and they don’t even have a chance of being matched.”

“They weren’t supposed to mention that to you. It was something I wanted to discuss with you on our way back to Pyros.”

“What if I don’t want to go back with you?”

Her words sliced through him like an assassin’s blade. “We’re mated. I know you can feel the bond between us. That’s never going to fade, Maggie. We’re linked for life.”

“But no one ever asked me if this is what I wanted. You talk about the Gods, and fate, and mating bonds, but you keep forgetting that none of that means anything to me.”

“Sacrifice is our birthright.” It was one of the first lessons his father had ever taught him, and now he needed to explain it to his mate. “I was born to rule Pyros, and you were destined to rule at my side. This is what must happen, Maggie. It’s the will of the Gods.”

She sliced through the air with the edge of her hand. “Enough. It might be their will, but it’s not mine. Take me home, Joran. I’d have left already, but apparently, we’re in the middle of a damned forest, and your men won’t let me outside for fear that their future queen will be devoured by the local wildlife.”

“I’ll have them fly us closer to your home, and we can teleport back.”

“Or you can set me down somewhere, and I’ll call a cab. Once we’re close enough to civilization, I can call my friends. I haven’t spoken to them since I left messages letting them know I was fine and spending some time with you. They have to be out of their minds with worry. At least, Gwen will be. Since Lisa was matched with your traveling buddy, Vadir, I can only assume she’s deep in the thrall of the Scorching by now.”

“Did you say your friend was matched to Vadir?” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He’d only left for a short time. How had everything fallen apart so flaming fast? And how had the link between Maggie and Lisa been missed? This mission was getting messier by the moment.

“Yes, my friend Lisa signed up for the same site I did. In fact, she’s the one who talked both Gwen and I into doing it at all. With everything that happened, I forgot about her, which is something I’m not proud of. I need to find out if she’s okay. Please? Let me go, Joran.”

“I will accompany you home. There is still much we need to discuss.”

“Just once, do you think you could try asking me what I want instead of telling me what’s going to happen next?”

He started to argue but cut himself off before he added more fuel to the fire of her temper. “I will leave you alone while I arrange for our return.”

He paused and softened his tone before asking, “Would you like the guards to accompany us as well, or would you prefer it if I went with you alone?”

“I’d prefer it if I was going home by myself, but since that doesn’t seem to be an option, I’d rather not drag the others along. I already owe them both an apology for my temper.”

“You do not need to apologize—“

“Oh yes, I do. And if you think that being royalty means never having to acknowledge your mistakes, then that explains a whole hell of a lot. Please let me know when it’s time to go.”

He ached to go to her, wrap her in his arms and kiss her until she had forgotten her upset, but something told him that wouldn’t work. As he left, it occurred to him that she had dismissed him with the regality of a born queen. He accepted that the Gods had chosen the perfect female for him. Now, he needed to somehow convince Maggie that her destiny wasn’t to stay on Earth, but to accompany him to Pyros and rule at his side.