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  Turning toward the cracked mirror that hung haphazardly on the stained wall, she felt deflated at the reflection that stared back at her. Her auburn hair was knotted at the nape of her neck, and a few loose strands fell around her face. Dirt smudged her cheeks and made her pale blue eyes seem to stand out, but her appearance right now didn’t matter because Maximo would pay to have his employees cleaned properly before the warriors came. He would make sure his product was perfect and buyable. The thought made her grimace in disgust.

  Taking out the tie that held her hair in a bun, she sighed in relief when the long strands tumbled down her back. She finger combed the layers as best she could and tied the heavy weight atop her head once more. Her outfit was nothing more than tatters of material, but it didn’t matter on Kat’aki, not when everyone on the wretched planet wore the same thing or nothing at all. The apron tied around her waist was stained, and holes littered the thin material. She was a sight, that was for sure. She could hear Maximo barking out orders, and her anger rose. Hatred for this planet and everyone on it was a tidal wave of fire inside of her. If it was the last thing she did, Luna would escape.

  ****

  Erak stepped off of the space carrier, Genet and Raimi following closely behind. Kat’aki was not their final destination, but they did need to refuel, and had been traveling for a week’s time now. Solid ground, even if it was on this planet, was better than nothing.

  “I’ll put the order in to have the craft refueled while we grab something to eat and a few supplies form the merchants.” Raimi stepped beside Erak. Erak glanced around the barren red dust planet and grimaced. He did wish he could have stopped at another planet, but this had been the closest one, and priority overruled preference. Although the landing dock was situated in the desert, a thick line of half-dead shrubs was in front of them, and towering mountains all around them. The lights from the rundown town ahead shone dully. The bright orange sun blazed in the sky, and sweat started to coat his skin. Covering his brow with his hand, he stared at the main city of Kat’aki, a playground for common scum, whores, and anyone who wanted a little illicit activity, and now currently the Asek brothers. Back in the day they had come here for a little fun, but that had been ages ago, when they were adolescent warriors. They hadn’t come back since, and he remembered why now. The stench of desperation and need hung thick in the air. He didn’t doubt their arrival had caused a flurry of action, because they most definitely thought royals would spend a hefty amount of currency.

  “Let’s just get what we need and get out of here. I still don’t like this place.” His brothers murmured in agreement, which he thought somewhat surprising. They really were taking this “finding their mate” seriously. It made him proud.

  The landing dock was filled with spacecrafts. Beings from all over the galaxy docked their ships and made their way into the main city. Creatures from Atheta, Linnea, and even the ape appearing giants of the Primativa planet all made their way toward the city. Erak knew Kat’aki was known as one of the lowest and dirtiest planets in the Ban’tash galaxy, but it was also known as a party planet, a place where one could do what they wanted when they wanted. Despite the appeal that knowledge held, the planet itself was a wasteland.

  “I hope the city has improved form the last time we came here.” Erak stood back and watched Genet and Raimi step off the loading dock. Various other beings milled around. Some cast menacing glances at him, stupid creatures that didn’t know the kind of warriors the Aktulla males were, while others kept their distance because they were smart enough to realize that Erak and his brothers could kill them with one expert move. Most of the creatures appeared human, but Erak knew better. While the Aktulla were similar in appearance to humans, they were anything but, and a far superior species. Erak grabbed his pack and followed his brothers, hoping this wasn’t going to be an experience he would regret, but knowing that was probably a guarantee.

  Chapter Three

  Luna stood in line as each employee was prepared for the night’s festivities. Although she wanted to deny what Maximo offered, and escape what would surely happen tonight, she couldn’t pass up the bathing chamber, especially when she rarely got to take one. Her bathing ritual, a whore’s bath in the sink, had her feeling unkempt and dirty on most days. Water was scarce on Kat’aki, and the very thought of washing away the red dust that covered her skin on a daily basis sounded heavenly. Besides, she planned on leaving this very night, and using the wealthiest of males to make that possible. Her virginity was such a prize possession, so she would be the one to barter with it, not Maximo. Of course, all of this was a plan, and everything would have to fall into place perfectly for it to work.

  As each person stepped into the enclosed water module, Luna glanced at the recently cleaned staff. They ranged in shapes and sizes. Even Kelo beasts with their thick limbs and glowing white eyes were amongst them. Once cleaned, each one of Maximo’s employees wore an outfit that was meant to tantalize and entice the prospective buyers. The material they wore showcased a female’s breasts and between her thighs while the males’ genitals were on display. It didn’t matter what a creature looked like on Kat’aki. If they had a pussy or dick then they were fair game.

  When her turn was next to bathe, Luna didn’t miss how Maximo’s eyes skimmed along her body. Forcing herself to contain the shudder of disgust that bombarded her, she stepped into the enclosed cubical. The door reappeared behind her, shielding her from all prying eyes. A warm mist started to fill the small chamber, and she swiftly removed her clothing and placed them on the floor where they promptly vanished. Not wanting to waste any time, she quickly washed. The water that swirled around her feet became a reddish tint from the dust that was washed from her.

  When she was cleaned, a strip of cloth to dry herself and a clean set of clothing was automatically ejected from a slot within the bathing chamber. When she stepped out of the module she was immediately ushered to the side. Keeping her gaze averted, heat moved up her face. The outfit she had been forced to wear was lewd and suggestive, but at least her breasts and pussy were covered. The chilled air brushed across her barely covered body. If she hadn’t been a virgin she would have been made to wear the same genital revealing clothing as the others. Her dress had an opaque hue to it and gave the illusion of being semi-transparent. It was so short it barely brushed the bottom of her ass. Luna kept telling herself this was the last night she would have to be subjected to this torture. After that, she would bribe her way onto one of the many ships that were docked just a short distance away. At least she was trying to stay optimistic. She may not have enough money to buy herself a ticket off this disgusting planet, but she had something that was worth something very valuable that could be bartered … her virginity.

  On and on the bathing continued until everyone was cleaned and they all stood in line. Maximo started at the head of the line and made his way down, skimming his eyes along each being and then stopping when he got to her. His lids dropped to half-mast when he looked at her body. Her skin crawled, but she kept her hands to her sides, and didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response.

  “How your flesh glows, Luna.” He all but purred, his breath a stench of stale alcohol that made her nauseous.

  “My intentions are to serve the patrons ale and sustenance,” she said through her teeth.

  Maximo may not feel this way, but fuck him. Of course, Aktulla males were known for their wealth, but the ones coming in tonight were not just warriors, but the Asek line, princes of their planet. It was clear Maximo thought he would get a small fortune for her. Did he not realize that a virgin wasn’t desired by all species? Some even found innocence a disgrace, a disgusting attribute that held no appeal. She wasn’t even sure if the Aktulla species liked virgins, but she supposed she’d find out soon enough.

  Maximo glared down at her before a slow smile spread across his face. “We shall see, princess.”

  ****

  Luna bustled around the main dining area as patrons
barked out orders to her. “I need two booka berry drinks, one monua ale, and an order of gralta fries.” She leaned against the counter, her feet aching, her body weary. Despite her scantily clothed body, males hardly paid attention to her. Her conclusion to that was Maximo had made himself clear to all that entered. She was only to go to the Aktulla males since she assumed them to be the wealthiest.

  As the order was filled, she turned and looked at all the patrons. Every table was packed in the common area with different shapes, sizes, and all manner of beings from around the galaxy. The rowdy and rambunctious crowd sang to the music overhead, and swatted the employees’ asses if they were unlucky enough to be in reaching distance. The smell of liquor, fried food, noxious body odor, and old blood that could never be removed from the floor and walls made her stomach roil. The only section not filled was the reserved part of the bar that was specifically on hold for the Aktulla males. There wasn’t even a guarantee that the males would come this hovel, and she knew every business had done the same as Maximo, hoping the royals would pay them a visit. Luna dreaded when and if they showed up, but there was also a part of her that anticipated it. She would have to make sure to barter with them in a way Maximo would not be aware. She didn’t know how much a virgin was worth, but it must be a grand amount for Maximo’s excitement to be that tangible.

  The sound of the front doors opening drew her attention. The surprise that resonated within her at the males that stepped through consumed her to the point she couldn’t think clearly. The noise in the room seemed to dim when the seven foot tall Aktulla males stopped just inside the entry and looked around. Luna swallowed roughly as her heart started to jackknife in her chest. The males were certainly fearsome. The music continued to play, but the chatter and lewd behavior was momentarily put on hold, and rightly so. There were three Aktullas, all strikingly similar in feature but different in coloring. Like many beings in the galaxy, the Aktullas appeared humanoid, but Luna knew better than to classify them as her own weaker kind. Not only were they one of the taller species in the Ban’tash galaxy, they were also known for their ruthlessness, strength, and prowess. They were warriors, barbaric in the way they killed their enemies, and were undefeated. As if everyone caught themselves, they quickly resumed their actions, looked away, and the noise picked back up.

  “Here’s your order, hun.”

  Luna turned away from the frightening males and looked at Serna, the petite bartender. Serna may have been on the small side, but she was from the Hella species, and her red tinted skin and venom tipped claws made sure to keep unwanted advances away.

  “Thanks.” Luna grabbed her order and made her way toward the tables, not trusting herself to look at the males again. Her fear and uneasiness had her faltering in her steps. Did she really think to proposition those scary as hell men? The chairs they sat in seemed ridiculously small for their massive frames. Taking in all that muscle and fearsomeness that surrounded them, had Luna rethinking if she could really do this now. The notion seemed ludicrous now. She stopped in front of one of her assigned tables and deposited the drinks in front of the patrons. Luna couldn’t help herself. She chanced a glance at the Aktullas once again, trying to convince herself that unless she wanted to be some creature’s sex slave before Maximo finally got his hands on her, she needed to gather her strength. But her fear and uncertainty were very real inside of her, taking hold and trying to drag her down. The warriors screamed sex appeal and strength, but also commanding dominance.

  Maximo greeted the males with an overly ecstatic demeanor. He looked pathetic and needy, and she had no doubt the Aktulla males could sense that. He looked like a pesky rodent standing before the heavily muscled and strong royals. Her palms were sweaty with what she knew she was going to have to do.

  She didn’t know what Maximo was saying to them, if he was already trying to sell her to these beings, but she supposed she’d find out soon enough. Before she could even move one step, Maximo was walking away from the warriors and heading right to her. She froze, her heart in her throat and her whole body tight. His stench overrode every other smell in Tao.

  She could see the focus on his face, the determination and greed beaming in his eyes. “You are to only cater to the warriors from this point on. They are your priority. Understand, princess?” As he roughly grabbed her arm and turned her so she was now fully facing the warriors, Luna grabbed onto that strength that tried to burrow deep inside of her, and tugged the bitch forward.

  “I understand clearly.” She spoke through gritted teeth and tugged her arm free. She didn’t comment on it further, because she knew the role he expected of her. What he didn’t know was what she was actually going to do.

  He chuckled deeply, but it held no amusement. Maximo tightened his hold on her arm, and Luna forced herself not to wince in pain. His rancid and humid breath raked across her face. “Keep playing by the rules and it won’t be so bad, Luna.” Swiftly turning, he all but dragged her over to where the Aktullas were seated. “Gentlemen, this is Luna.” Maximo’s voice was once again pleasant and accommodating. He shoved her forward but kept a grip on her arm. “She will be assisting you in anything you may need, as we discussed. All you have to do is tell her. She is obedient in all things, I assure you.”

  His fingers were like iron claws on her upper arm, and the flow of blood was becoming increasingly cut off. He released his grip and stalked off. Watching as he left, she rubbed her arm and winced slightly at how sore it was. Looking down at her tender flesh, she saw a blotchy red imprint of his hand. The feeling of being watched intensified until she brought her gaze up and stared at the three set of eyes that were currently boring holes into her. Their expressions were void of any emotion.

  Luna cleared her throat and tried to swallow the huge lump that had suddenly formed in it. You must be appealing to these males, or your plan to escape will be fruitless.

  “Good evening, gentlemen. Can I get you anything to drink?” She took a moment to really examine them as they decided on what they wanted, but when she looked at one she felt the stare of the other two. For some reason Luna felt no aversion, fear, or disgust toward these men. They could crush her with their huge hands, and break her bones as if they were no more than an twig. There was also warmth growing in her belly, an unusual and dare she say, uncomfortable sensation that started to travel throughout her whole body. Never had she felt this, felt the way her heart seemed to beat between her thighs, or the fact her nipples became hard. And all it took was these males looking at her. They were extremely attractive males, not in the classically handsome way either, but more so ruggedly powerful, like how a warrior would look on the battlefield. She could imagine them standing with their weapons raised high, their muscles straining as they defeated their opponents. A shiver worked through her, because even though she could vividly see the blood that would surely cover their massive chests as they killed anything in their path, all she felt was arousal, and that was something she had never experienced. With their gazes locked on her, she was overwhelmed so suddenly she couldn’t breathe. Raw. Determined. Their facial features resembled one another’s, but each had a different shade of hair and eye color.

  “How about we start with six mugs of your finest ale?” The one at the far end spoke, his accent thick and his voice deep. She turned her attention to the one who spoke. His black hair was cut short, and his violet eyes seemed like the finest cut Franita jewels.

  Nodding almost absently, she was embarrassed that she had to force herself to turn and leave. Hands shaking and now covered in sweat, she wondered if maybe their kind exuded some kind of pheromone and that was why her reaction to them was so intense. She had seen many beings while living on this planet, but aside from a few key points she had learned of them over the years, she knew nothing of customs, biology, or even mating habits. While she waited for Serna to gather their drinks, she stole another glance at them. Females milled around them, their exposed breasts jiggling as they swayed to the music. But even though
nude bodies were right at their reach, none of the males made a move to touch, fondle, or take the females up on their sexually lewd advances.

  Once she had their drinks, she made her way back to the table. The one with the violet eyes watched her the entire time. When she licked her suddenly dry lips, she didn’t miss how he lowered his gaze to watch the act. After she had placed the last mug in front of one of the males, she gasped when he snagged her wrist and brought her hand to his mouth. Startled, all she could do was stare at him in shock. Despite his firm hold on her, it wasn’t painful, and she still didn’t feel any fear. Uncertainty of his intent? Yes. His eyes were as dark as the night, and his hair a platinum color that was a stark contrast to his irises. All Luna could do was watch as he inhaled deeply, his massive and muscular chest rising and falling from the action. He kept hold of her stare with his own, and as if the next thing happened in slow motion, he brought her wrist to his mouth and kissed her suddenly very sensitive flesh. Her hand looked so small, so fragile compared to his, and a part of her, a very feminine part of her, melted at that small observation.

  “What is your name?” His voice was a sensual whisper that seemed to seep into her very cells. It was deep and commanding, but not nearly as rough as the violet eyed warrior. Maximo had also told them her name, so why would he ask her if not for the sole pleasure of having her obey him?