Atlantean Heat Read online

  ATLANTEAN’S QUEST:

  ATLANTEAN HEAT

  Jordan Summers

  Acknowledgement:

  Thank you Bree for working so tirelessly on getting my Atlantean series together and released. Thanks to Julie T. who is a terrific critique partner. In addition, thank you Allie for listening.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Cassandra stared out the small viewing hole, watching stars and distant galaxies go by. The blackness was comforting, like a favorite outfit or a baby’s toy. She’d longed for this moment since the day her people had left Earth.

  Unlike the majority of the Atlantean people, Cassandra had wanted to explore outside of their jungle borders, experience the rest of what Earth had to offer. After meeting Queen Rachel, she’d become positively fascinated by humans. If her queen was indicative of a human female, what were the males like? Cassandra knew they couldn’t all be molded in the form of the professor.

  She would have left her people long ago if it hadn’t been for the fact that Atlantean warriors watched Atlantean women like hungry raptors protecting their kill, not allowing them to wander too far out of their sight. Cassandra understood the reasons, but knowing this hadn’t curbed her wanderlust.

  The stars twinkled like the fireflies that used to swarm in the balmy jungle. She pressed her hand against the tiny window, remembering the simple joy she’d gotten from chasing the glowing bugs around, capturing them, only to release them once again.

  Cassandra glanced at the amazing looking warrior beside her. Orion was one of the few she hadn’t dallied with. Out of sheer boredom, she’d chosen to share company with several of the warriors on Zaron. They’d served their purpose at the time. Perhaps if the trip was long enough and they got bored…

  She quickly dismissed the thought.

  She’d heard rumors about the striking warrior, some of which had certainly piqued her curiosity, but not enough to act on it. He was, after all, an Atlantean warrior, first and foremost. Moreover, Orion was not her true-mate which, from the looks of his body, was a pity. Her gaze caressed his muscled form, focusing on the impressive bulge filling his pants.

  As if sensing her gaze on him, Orion turned. The impact of his dual-colored eyes, one jade and one aqua, knowingly assessing her told Cassandra without words he’d read her thoughts. Don’t worry. He smiled. I’m not interested in you either, and I think I can contain my boredom until we reach Earth. Mirth simmered in his voice.

  Cassandra laughed. His candor was refreshing. It was just a thought, not a proposition. I’m looking for something…different.

  And you think you’ll find it in an Earthling?

  Perhaps…

  Orion flicked switches, transferring fuel into their reserve tanks. Where is it you wish me to take you once we reach the planet?

  I’ve longed to see the ocean again. Cassandra sighed, picturing the blue-green water with its white foamy crests, gently lapping at a sandy shore. Queen Rachel has told me I might enjoy a place called California .

  Orion frowned and punched another button, bringing up holographic maps of planet Earth. Where did she say this place is located?

  The same piece of land you need to be on to find Brigit. Cassandra stared at the swirling map, her eyes widening as she saw how close the water was to this California place. If she reached out she could almost touch the wetness, feel the refreshing spray on her face. She resisted the urge to touch the spot on the map that held so many possibilities for her.

  What do the glowing lights represent on the map?

  Colonies. He pointed to a spot on the east coast of the North American continent. The brighter the light, the more populated the area.

  Cassandra stared entranced as the colonies lit up like the stars, each one glowing brighter than the next. One stood out, far outshining the rest. I want you to take me there.

  Orion glanced, then pressed a button to draw closer to the spot she’d pointed to. The place you wish to visit is called Los Angel es .

  Cassandra smiled. “Los Angeles,” she murmured aloud, testing the name on her tongue. The words rolled off, easing past her lips like a gentle kiss. Her skin prickled, leaving gooseflesh behind. This was the place. The place she’d begin her search. Even the name left a shiver of excitement shimmying up her spine.

  Queen Rachel has said you will need something called money. I have researched this item. It is what the humans use to barter with, in exchange for goods and food.

  Do we have any of this…money?

  Yes. The replicator has managed to reproduce a travel sack full of the stuff. You should have more than enough for what you need. I’ve also taken the liberty of placing a deciphering unit in your sack. You’ll be able to find any meaning or item by just thinking about it. It should help when it comes to talking to the humans.

  Orion pressed a panel to his side, which had been all but hidden from view seconds ago. He pulled out a metal device Cassandra had never seen before. What is that?

  A communication device. He flipped a switch on the side of the thin rectangular object and a tiny screen appeared. If you need assistance or are ready to come back home, just flip this switch and hold the device next to your head. It will pick up your thoughts, in the same way we’re having this conversation, and transport you to the ship. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of space, because the device is powerful enough to transport the objects around you.

  Cassandra nodded and reached for the device. Orion pulled it just out of her reach.

  Are you sure, you want to do this? ‘Tis not too late to change your mind. His voice was serious and held more than a little concern.

  Cassandra forced a smile. Inside she was terrified. She’d never been away from her people—ever. Nevertheless, she was absolutely sure this was what she wanted, so she swallowed her fear and faced Orion unflinchingly. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.

  He stared for a few moments, his gaze assessing, deciding. Cassandra held her breath waiting, praying that whatever he could see in her face would be enough to allow her this time of discovery.

  Finally, he nodded. California it is.

  * * * * *

  They landed without incident two days later. Cassandra had never seen so many lights in all her life. It was as if the stars had fallen from the sky and lay like a blanket upon the hillsides, shining, twinkling, beckoning to her. She’d asked Orion to drop her near the water. In her black flight suit, with her blonde hair braided down her back, Cassandra watched as the first rays of light hit the ocean, illuminating its murky depths.

  She took a deep breath, and inhaled the salty air into her lungs. Tears of joy burned behind her eyelids. It was as beautiful and awe inspiring as she’d remembered. The waves rolled in, lapping at the beach, their gentle roar like music to her Atlantean ears. She hugged her sides and just breathed. The peace that had eluded her so easily on Zaron engulfed her here. The muscles in her tense shoulders relaxed. She slipped her boots off and dug her toes in the sand, flexing and releasing the grainy substance.

  The humans were beginning to awaken. A few had stumbled onto the beach, shattering the tranquility of the moment with their huffing and puffing. Cassandra had no idea why they were running. From what she could see, no predator chased them. Obviously one of the strange behaviors they naturally displayed. Dressed in baggy clothing, a few glanced her way, eyeing her flight suit.

  After they’d left, Cassandra reached into the sack and rummaged around until she’d located her deciphering unit. She needed to find a place to stay, since the beach was not an option. She held the unit next to her head, much like how the communication device worked, and then pictured the object she wanted to locate.

  The device hummed a second later, flashing the words, hotel and motel across
the screen. Ah, shelter was in a hotel or motel. She hoped. Cassandra had no idea which direction to travel in, so she decided to follow the next human who ran past.

  She gazed at the shoreline, waiting, but it appeared she was alone. Cassandra glanced at the water once more, the vast openness calling to her, daring her to enter its depths. She stood. There was no sense resisting what was inevitable. Stripping off her flight suit, she faced the ocean. Her naked flesh puckered under the cool air, relishing its cold-fingered touch.

  Cassandra raced into the surf with a reckless abandon that harkened back to her childhood. The cool water momentarily took her breath away. The water near Atlantis had been warm year around. It took Cassandra a couple of minutes to adjust to the change. The frothy brine lapped at her skin as she dove headfirst into an oncoming wave.

  * * * * *

  Buzz Rittner jogged harder on the wet sand. Anger surged through him as he recalled his commander’s orders. You will take your leave, effective immediately. He figured he was the only Ground Training Officer at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar ever forced into a leave.

  Well that wasn’t exactly true, he had been commanded, but the leave was permanent. At least that’s what the early retirement papers he’d received yesterday had said. He’d immediately phoned his sister Carrie for support. She was the only woman in his life that he trusted. Unfortunately, this time Carrie’s advice had mirrored the military’s.

  He growled in frustration and ran harder, ignoring the pain and slight weakness that now accompanied his workouts. At forty-three, he considered himself in prime physical shape. Just not good enough to go back into space, after exposure to radiation poisoning. The little voice inside his head whispered. It had been the fucking kiss of death to his career.

  Buzz knew his attitude of late hadn’t been the best. Frustration did that to a man. He knew he was a tough man to train under, but he hadn’t thought he’d been that bad.

  Asking him to leave had probably tickled the commander pink. The bastards had finally gotten rid of their damaged goods. Damn them all!

  He pushed on, eating up miles on the sand. Malibu was gorgeous this time of the morning, no people, only sand, ocean--and the naked blonde who’d just broken through the surf in front of him.

  Naked blonde? Where in the hell had she come from?

  Buzz came close to tripping when she turned her head to stare at him with those striking blue eyes of hers. Still quite a few yards away, he knew there’d been no mistake. Her eyes were the brightest blue he’d ever seen, the color of the ocean when he’d viewed it from space.

  He glanced over his shoulder to ensure there wasn’t another runner behind him. Nope. It was just the two of them, completely alone. Every muscle in his body tightened as he neared what he could now see was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.

  His gaze traveled down the length of her, taking in her slim waist and perfect navel, before zeroing in on her world-class breasts. Her rose-colored nipples alone were enough to give him erotic dreams for a month.

  She didn’t have movie star looks like most of the women in Los Angeles. Hers was an earthy beauty, one that didn’t need makeup or surgery to create. She had a wide, full mouth that held a hint of color he knew instinctively had not come from a tube. Her height was impressive, damn near six feet, give or take an inch, if where the surf hit her was any indication. Buzz was suddenly glad he had reached six foot four. She was lush, her curves round and firm, made for exploring. The woman was like sex on a stick, just waiting to be devoured by the right man.

  Buzz’s cock leapt to attention. Thank God for baggy sweats. He debated whether to stop as he got closer, but the truth was, the last thing he needed was an entanglement. He had enough problems without adding a woman, albeit a beautiful naked woman, into the mix. But damn, he was tempted—oh, so tempted.

  “Down, boy,” he muttered to himself as he passed the woman, giving her a quick nod and a flash of a smile.

  Seemingly unbothered by her state of undress, the woman’s eyes lit up as she warmly returned his smile. Buzz’s heart did a little flip in his chest. He ignored it and pressed on. She probably recognized him from his cereal box cover. Buzz frowned. He hated the fact that he missed the attention and that one look from her had kicked his libido into high gear. The latter made him all the more determined not to wait around for her to get out of the water.

  Buzz prided himself on being a noble guy, but one look at her silky pussy and he knew all bets would be off. There was only so much temptation a guy could take before caving.

  It was a few moments before Buzz realized the woman was following him. Her soft footfalls were near-silent against the crash of the surf. It had been the sensation of being watched that had tipped him off. He glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, the woman trotted behind, now dressed in a black skin-tight outfit with a sack thrown across her back, easily keeping pace with him. Buzz’s muscles tightened, his heart rate doubled. Her effect on him was like a kite trying to fly in a tornado. He broke out in a cold sweat. He had to get the hell away from her.

  Buzz glanced forward once more and picked up speed. Maybe it was coincidence, maybe she was crazy, most of the truly beautiful ones were. He’d encountered numerous groupies throughout the years, but hadn’t bothered dallying with any of them. He didn’t want to be anyone’s checklist conquest.

  Buzz jogged a mile farther before looking back again. She’d fallen slightly further behind, but she was still there. Her expression…well, her expression was open, like a child when they first discover a playground.

  As much as he told himself to keep on running and not look back, he couldn’t. He needed the attention as much as she longed to give it.

  Against his better judgment, Buzz stopped. Something drew him to her, something beyond primal need. His hands casually rested on his hips as he attempted to catch his breath. Her sexuality was natural, fresh, not feigned like many of the groupies he’d met. She slowed as she neared, her gaze running over the length of him. Buzz’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t had a woman look at him like that since—well since he’d been NASA’s flavor of the month pinup boy.

  His cock twitched, beginning to grow under her heated stare. This was odd, since he’d never really responded to any of the groupies, beyond being flattered by their attention. They were too aggressive for his taste. He liked to be the one to choose and so far, it had worked out in his favor.

  He’d kept the sex casual and the women at a distance. Buzz’s heart damn near stopped when she smiled again. Strange, very strange. Space was his mistress, always had been, and always would be, even if NASA never allowed him to visit her again.

  “Can I help you, darlin’? Would you like an autograph?” he asked, using his best Texas good ol’ boy drawl, the one that had worked so well on the women outside of Houston when he’d been training for a space mission at NASA.

  He swallowed hard as bitterness welled inside of him. There’d be no more missions. The solar flare he’d experienced while manning the International Space Station had made sure of that. Too much radiation they’d said. No more space flights. No more hope of being on the first manned mission to Mars. He snorted, shaking his head.

  She shifted on her feet, bringing his thoughts back from the dark place they so often traveled. He’d become so used to the despair, he now considered the dark place home. His gaze narrowed on her as he realized she still hadn’t answered him. “I guess that’s a no.” Disappointment welled inside his voice, but he squelched it before it got out of hand. “Are you lost?”

  Her eyes widened and she smiled, nodding her head.

  Buzz’s heart tripped in his chest and it had nothing to do with his run.

  She cleared her throat. “I-I need to find a hotel or motel.”

  Her words hit his gut like a punch. Buzz blinked, that wasn’t exactly what he’d thought she’d say. He didn’t know what he’d expected—was she propositioning him? Yeah, like she’d be interested in a washed up
, unemployed astronaut.

  Her smile was warm. Buzz’s mind raced at the possibilities, however remote. His gaze took in her clothing. It was black, made out of a strange material that melded to her body like a wet suit. Yet it was obvious that wasn’t what her clothing was used for, because she hadn’t been wearing it in the surf. She was certainly dressed oddly for being on the beach, but hell, this was L.A.

  “There are several hotels right down the road in Santa Monica. I’m staying at a place called Shutters on the Beach. I could drop you off or you could walk.” He pointed further down the beach. “It’s quite a ways from here, past Gladstone’s.”

  “Gladstone’s?” she frowned, repeating his words like a child would mimic a parent.

  Something wasn’t right with this whole picture. He could tell from the blank look on her face she had no idea where he was talking about. His gut told him she wasn’t stupid, only overwhelmed. Maybe she’d been injured and dumped on the beach. He’d heard of cases where people lost all memory during a traumatic event. The trouble was she didn’t look injured. An injured person wouldn’t have kept pace with his seven-minute miles.

  Perhaps she was a foreign groupie. At the height of his fame, he’d received mail from thirty countries. “You’re not from around here, are you?” he ventured.

  “No, my home is many galaxies away, past the Pleiades.” Her voice was clipped and strangely accented, but her words were clear.

  She might be foreign, but he’d called it right. This chick was crazy. She didn’t need a ride. She needed professional help. Why had he offered to give her a ride? He’d never done anything so stupid in the past, especially with a groupie. Hell, she probably thought Star Trek was real.

  Buzz chastised himself again, knowing if she accepted he’d honor his word. The forced leave must have scrambled his mind. He knew she was trouble—six feet of leggy, womanly trouble that he should be trying to stay far away from, but damned if his cock didn’t disagree. It wanted to get to know this woman a lot better.