Invasion of Her Heart

Lovers of the Galaxy

Book One, Invasion of Her Heart
© 2014 by Trinity Blacio and Ana Lee Kennedy

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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Riverdale Avenue Books

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Design by
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Cover by Insatiable Fantasy Designs Inc.

Digital ISBN 978-1-62601-113-7

First Edition  September 2014

Previously published 2011 by Decadent Press as Sky Streamers: Conquering Venus

~DEDICATION~

This series is dedicated to readers who thrive on science-fiction romance.

Prologue: Project Melting Pot

Planet Azutu

Near the center of the universe, on the planet Azutu, over two hundred lifeforms, each a ruler from the body of planets or one of the heads of various planetary sectors and offices, filled the large meeting arena around the last two survivors of the Rolarai Family: Jaxxon Rolarai and his elder brother, Volund. Everyone was speaking at once. The sound of the various voices echoed through the chamber.

Jaxxon hated being the center of attention, and right now he and his brother were under intense scrutiny.

One of the rulers, who spoke only through telepathy, blasted the collective consciousness of the attendees, demanding silence. Jaxxon grimaced at the loud mental voice in his head. A glance over at Volund’s scowling face confirmed his brother didn’t like the telepathic intrusion either.

Quiet settled over the arena.

Tapio, from the administrative planet Mubehu, hovered next to Jaxxon and Volund, his skin a fluorescent yellow, eyes neon pink. His kind, similar to the male who had earlier ordered silence in the great hall, had no mouth, and also used mental communication.

I shall speak to all here as a group. Agreed?
Tapio stared first into Jaxxon’s eyes and then looked over at Volund.

Jaxxon nodded. Next to him, Volund did the same.

You two were chosen to start a project called Melting Pot. We chose this name in memory of Earth’s Pre-Apocalyptic World. Their historians used this term to explain the blending of cultures, its various nationalities.

As you know, we are under attack. Many planets are on the verge of failing, and with their worlds dying, so will their species die. Everything we have done has not stopped the advance of this Evil that is destroying us. We are here to attempt to give all endangered species another shot at survival of having a successful culture and world.

He paused to allow his audience a moment to contemplate his opening statement.

Rolarai Brothers, have each of you heard of planet Earth?

Jaxxon nodded. “Yes,” said Volund.

Tapio dipped his head once in satisfaction, and continued
.

It has been long known that most humanoid species can mate with the humans there.

Now, however, their race is disappearing. They have poisoned their planet and the survivors believe their planet is near dead, but in truth, it can be fixed. Our science can repair the damage. It will take time, but we believe by joining the different races, either by mating or co-habiting, we can save many lives and cultures. We’ve picked a town called Elyria. It’s located in the northern hemisphere of the planet, so it is uninhabited. It will be the home base of the Sky Streamers.

Tapio paused as if to allow Jaxxon and his brother absorb his words. Satisfied, he continued.

You and Volund will be traveling there shortly. Volund, your background in medicine and science is the reason you’ve been chosen to go to Earth. Jaxxon is your only surviving relative and he’s well-steeped in combat and stealth, so he shall join you and be the head of security. We’ve fitted a timeship, one of the Sky Streamers, with everything you will need to for your mission. Soon, we will send the next groups to help with the process of establishing settlements. However, for now, you two are the best of our warriors, scientists, and doctors. This is the last chance for the ones who will follow you to Earth. There are no other worlds for these races to go where they can survive, not even here on Azutu. We are sending you, and others to this world to survive. Fix earth. Rebuild. Re populate that world. You are our hope to combat the Evil that is consuming us now. That is your future, and the future of your children.

Jaxxon glanced at his brother, and Volund nodded. The expression of loss and loneliness on Volund’s face mirrored what Jaxxon felt. Maybe a new home and a new beginning was what the Rolarai family needed. He bent his head back and cracked his neck, glancing up at Tapio. “I do have one request that I’m sure my brother will agree with. Could we have our personal belongings, including our pets with us, since this new planet will become our home?”

“And I have a couple questions,” Volund stated. “How long will the travel time be, and do we have access to the humans’ history and languages?”

Your personal belongings, as well as your pets, have all been placed on the ship. The ship’s neurobrain has been modified so you have access to Earth’s history, culture, and languages while you travel there. The trip will take four Mubehu lunar cycles, which is six years Earth time. With your immortality, you two will be able to oversee the project for however long it takes.

Tapio watched them as they took their leave.

Chapter One

Another day had dawned, and the bright sun was already beating down over Venus Dalshvire’s hometown of Elyria, heating everything to almost impossible levels as she made her way through the deserted neighborhood. It was the middle of January and instead of snow-covered streets, steam now rose from the old blacktopped asphalt roads. With each step she took, her rubber-soled boots stuck to the ground, which made traveling slower. Venus kicked at an empty Pepsi can in front of her as she continued her journey down Broad Street. She smiled, remembering the neighborhood in happier times. Cars had filled the roads, couples held hands as they walked down the sidewalks, children had played tag and kickball in the park, and hundreds of birds had chirped and sung in the trees.

Over twenty years ago, Venus had walked down this same street with her father, Kenneth, on his way home from the labs two blocks from her school. He’d always joked with her about her independence and her stubbornness. “Venus, how are you ever going to find a husband if you continue your wild ways?” He would then swat her on her ass and push her toward the school.

“Oh, Papa,” Venus whispered, remembering. “To find a man like you is an impossible dream now. Even if I were to change my ways....” The hot, arid air snatched her words away.

Sure, she could move on to another city, try to find other people, but for some reason Venus felt the need to stay where she was. There was a sense of urgency to this feeling, as if she’d be missing something if she settled elsewhere. She reached up and tied her waist-long silver hair in a knot while she walked a different path home. Venus squinted behind her sunglasses and searched the debris for anything she could use in her quarters at the abandoned bank building, or in her garden, where she planned to work the remainder of the day. The beans, cucumbers, and radishes all needed harvesting. Tomorrow, she would hunt what game was left in the area.

Tonto, her German Shepherd barked, growled, and whined, which drew her attention to a large black container.

Nervous, Venus glanced around the landscape. “Well, this certainly wasn’t here earlier.” She knelt and patted the dog’s head. She studied the container, which was taller than she was.

She jumped as the crate moved and whatever was inside scraped at one of the walls. Venus reached for her rifle and moved around the box. A high-pitched whine issued from inside. Tonto ran to the box and dug at its edges, where they met the dirt.

“Well, Tonto, it must not be dangerous if you want it out, but stand back just in case.” Venus rubbed her hand over a strange, glowing plate with symbols on it.

The box creaked and disintegrated in front of her.

“Shit.” Shock passed through Venus, and she raised her M-16, aiming it at the creatures in front of her. Once again, she was thankful she’d had a brief stint in the local militia, just before it disbanded. Her training had aided her in protecting herself, as well as hunting.

They stood larger than her dog, each one built like the big jungle cats that once roamed the tropics. However, these creatures favored a wolf’s appearance throughout their heads and shoulders. Fangs protruded from their mouths. The creatures sniffed the air, their oversized red eyes watching every move Venus made.

Although bizarre in appearance, the animals didn’t seem to be a threat. They whined, ducked their heads and whipped their long tails back and forth.

“So you don’t want to eat me or Tonto?” She held out her left hand, keeping a finger of her right poised inside the rifle’s trigger-guard just in case. “Tonto, stay,” she snapped when her dog slowly moved forward, but he didn’t listen. Instead, he lowered to the ground and crawled over to the creatures, woofing softly.

One animal, whom she noticed was obviously the male, lowered its head and pushed at Tonto’s side.

“Either that’s a good sign or he’s getting ready to eat your stupid ass.” The male turned and stepped toward her as Venus knelt in front of it. “Please be friendly.”

The creature nudged her hand with its head. Its black, gray, and silver fur felt like silk. Its long, wide tongue licked her hand, and she giggled.

“Okay, I guess you’re docile. Well, what do you think, Tonto? Do we take them home so the Bone Eaters don’t get them?” Venus studied the creatures sniffing the ground around her. “I just hope we don’t wake up as snacks for these animals.” She glanced at Tonto. “Head them home, pal. We need to be getting back.”