Science Fiction*Shapeshifter*Space*Romance
Cajun Zebadiah LaCroy is a long way from home. Infected with
a bad case of wanderlust, Zeb’s been working on an intergalactic merchant ship.
He’s seen all manner of strange worlds and stranger beings. When his ship docks
at Station Janus, Zeb searches for a gift for his sister back home and finds
more than he bargained for. Come and see, a female voice calls
telepathically to him. Never one to be able to deny his innate curiosity, Zeb
can’t resist. He’s caught in her spell.
When he finally sees her, hears her say his name, Zeb knows Semele is telling him the truth. They are bondng exclusively to each other. For the bonding to be complete, they must mate.
The only thing is, she's not quite human.
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
EXCERPT from The Curiosity Shoppe
His curiosity always got the better of him. Zeb took a deep
breath, turned around, and starting walking down the long, dark hall. A shadow darted
past him. Instinctively he reached for his stinger only to remember a split second
later he didn’t have a permit to carry it on Station Janus.
Besides, you couldn’t shoot a shadow. Usually. He had the
distinct impression he'd have hit something solid had he fired on that particular moving
dark spot.
The door to the shop at the end of the corridor cracked
open. A long sliver of golden light streaked across the deck and ended at his feet.
Someone was certainly determined that he stay on course.
“All right, I get the picture. When I get there, no more games.” He heard the soft feminine laughter again.
As you wish, Zebadiah.
He stopped short. “How do you know my name?”
I know, and that is all.
“You mean that’s all you’re going to tell me.”
No. I just know. Come.
He could’ve no more turned away than he could fly to Jupiter
in nothing but a propulsion suit. Whoever she was, whatever her game was, she had his
full attention. Zeb squared his shoulders and strode purposely for the shop, his long
legs taking him there faster than his better sense said was necessary. He stopped outside
the door and considered what he was doing.
Up close, the shop appeared empty, the windows darkened. No
light shone from within. Somebody was playing with him and he intended to get to the
bottom of it. He pushed open the door and stood staring, gawking actually, at the
contents of the little shop.
It was full of red, green, silver and gold. Twinkling lights
and sparkling crystal shone in every corner. It smelled of fresh greenery, of pine, of wood
smoke. It was Christmas. Or at least Christmas the way some people decorated for it.
His own traditions were a little different. He looked closer at the greenery. Sure
enough, the wreaths and swags contained the broad waxy leaves from magnolia trees. The
scent of oranges drifted to him.
This was bizarre.
You do not like it.
Her sad tone made his stomach drop. And just how did she
know, anyway?
“It’s not that I don’t like it. I’m not sure how this can be
real.”
You seek a gift to be given at the time of midwinter. Is
this not how your world prepares for
Dark Night?
“Well, you know, some folks of my world decorate like this.”
He looked around. “Whoever
you are, come out so I can see you. Tell me how it is that
you know my name.”
Would that please you?
“Yes, it would. I’m… uncomfortable talking to voices in my
head.”
That was an understatement.
The lights dimmed. The decorations faded and in their place
appeared the most peculiar of curiosity shops. Shelves filled with alien oddities lined
the walls. Tables laden with a wide assortment of goods, animal, mineral and vegetable,
filled the spaces between. All that remained of the ghost of Christmas was the fruity scent
of citrus.
A movement caught his eye and he turned. The shadows moved
in the darkest corner of the room. A woman stood there. He stepped toward her and she
backed away. He tried to sound reassuring. It wasn't easy considering he still saw
flight as an option. Imprudence with aliens could get a man killed.
“I won’t hurt you. I just want to see you.”
It could be unwise. There is a risk.
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
