Page 153 of Sold to the Alien Smugglers

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Paradise.

The artificial atmosphere of Atlantis is a bubble protecting us from the endless void of space.

Clouds move lazily in the artificial sky, created by the bio-forming machines that created cycles of weather just like those on Old Earth.

This artificial planet is three times the size of Old Earth’s moon. It is empty now – except for the four other triads that banded together to build it. They made a partnership in the 100 years of service, and each triad has done whatever it took to earn and build the hidden home.

Those four triads of Aurelian men look at us with jealousy. All of them ache to find their Fated Mate, like my triad has done, and bring her here. Instead, they’re in self-exile, earning money to bolster the defenses of this haven.

I feel safe here. With the resources we’ve used to build protection for Atlantis, we’d be a tough nut to crack – and there’s not enough meat here to justify it.

A huge planet – empty.

Empty until I have my triad’s son, that is.

My breasts are sensitive, already growing larger and larger. From what I’ve seen of Jasmine’s pregnancies, they’ll swell up hugely - filled with nutrient-thick milk for the hungry Aurelian babe growing in my belly.

I offered to let Tessa come here, but she chose to stay on X12. She wanted to be with the last of her family, not believing me when I told her that even a planet deep in the Human Alliance won’t be safe when the storm comes.

And the storm is coming. What I witnessed on Colossus showed me that.

But I’m no longer on Colossus. I’m here, and it’s paradise.

All around me, birds chirp and critters scurry around. The planet teems with the animals brought here to populate this world.

Paradise – exactly what I wanted.

I wanted a place to hide away from everything and disappear.

“You’re troubled.”

Quint cocks his head questioningly as he joined me in the sunshine. Of the three of them, he knows me the best.

He and I are alone right now. Marcel and Lucius are scoping out a nearby asteroid, searching for minerals.

I sigh. I run my hand across my stomach. I should be at peace here. We moved the bio-dome to a new location, so no one would ever know where we are. This planet has the resources to shift orbits, and we change locations often. Since our self-imposed exile began, we haven’t run into a single human, Toad, or Aurelian ship.

Space is vast and empty – so it should be easy to get lost in. The only interesting thing we’ve encountered was a week ago – our second week here on Atlantis.

A Scorp Org-Ship floated into range – one of the Egg Sacs that infests planets with the vile, hybrid species.

Our drone defenses above Atlantis cut it down before my triad could even intercept the Scorp ship in their brand-new Reaver – we’re ruthlessly well defended.

We’re no threat, and we’ve got no treasure. There’s no reason to attack us. Even the Scorp would have little reason to come here, in their search for hosts for their Queen’s eggs.

The universe is hanging in balance, but we’re not even weight on the scales.

But the atmosphere is uneasy, even here. No one has news. The Aurelians who follow the old ways – the Separatists, and Priesthood – have seemingly disappeared. Everyone who remains is bracing for an attack – but so far, nothing has happened.

The Toad King capitulated to Jasmine’s demands, and Lord Qavar was delivered to the Arena of the Gods to face justice. Here on Atlantis, my triad and I watched on holo-vid as his head was taken off by Emperor Raegan himself.

That did nothing to calm me, though.

I’ve got everything I could possibly want – more than I even knew I desired – and yet I feel anxious all the same.

“I don’t feel right,” I tell Quint. “What universe am I bringing my son into?”

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