Ash: A Phoenix Warrior Romance (Phoenix in Flames Book 9) Read online

  Phoenix in Flames series

  Book 9

  Ash

  By Catty Diva

  Edited by Eagle Editing

  Cover by Deniz_Creationz

  2018 Copyright by Catty Diva

  This book is a work of fiction. All contents, including names, places, and events are the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to persons, living or deceased, businesses, locations or events are completely coincidental.

  None of this work may be used, reproduced, exchanged or transmitted by anyone but the person the book was purchased for. Any reproductions of this book in any part or any form must be done with the express written permission of the author or not at all.

  Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

  This series is a spinoff from the 10 book series The Mating Games.

  The Mating Games series

  Book 1

  Razar

  Razar needs a mate, but on his planet, there are nine males to one female. Humans look like they are compatible, but if they find out the secrets of his kind they will refuse to send them mates.

  Lista needs money for her mother's operation or she will die. Her sister has volunteered her to be a bride for an alien. If she wins the mating game, she will be free to keep the money and return home.

  Can she outwit him or will he claim her heart before it's game over?

  Phoenix in Flames series

  Book 1

  Roar

  He’d volunteered for this mission, but why? He’d felt the need to go after the abducted female. It was almost like an obsession which made it scary. Roar was afraid to even guess what he’d do once he found her.

  Treva was hurting all over and scared. She didn’t even hold out hope anyone would come to save her. It was time to save herself. Once she got herself free, she would get to Oison somehow. There simply wasn’t a choice.

  Book 2

  Blaze

  He’d always considered Roar his best friend and they’d hung out together a lot. That was now in the past because Roar had fallen in love and it hit him hard. He was mated and it was hard to tear him from his mate’s side. Only the new priority of aiding in the lab raids had managed it, but his mate came with him. Blaze hoped he never lost himself that completely even while he was a little jealous of their obvious happiness.

  Lab born and raised, Felicity never expected to be freed. She would live and die in misery just as her mother had. When these people came and whispered they would soon be free, she didn’t believe them. When the man came and told her he planned to free her, she wanted to believe everything he said.

  Could fate finally be working in their favor to give two jaded people the chance of a lifetime?

  Book 3

  Tar

  He’d found the facility that was supplying all the labs. This would be the chance to shut it all down. His biggest problem getting the children out. That and the labs special project, Patty. He wasn’t even sure exactly what she was, but he was undeniably drawn to her.

  She was a science project that wasn’t even thought of as a person, much less a woman. Now for the first time ever, a male had made her feel like a female. Could she help him safely bring the lab down so they could leave here together? If they did, would they even be able to have a future?

  Book 4

  Pyre

  All he was doing was escorting a lady to the outskirts of the galaxy to check on a station because of some unexpected activity. He didn’t have to get involved with her and fall in love.

  Ladonna thought this new guy, Pyre, was hot. If it wasn’t for all the trouble she was expecting at the station she and Patty had just bought, she’d pursue a relationship and keep him. After all, he’d been her first. But business had to come first.

  Pyre tried to avoid Ladonna, but he was too drawn to her. Now what the hell did he do?

  Can two lovers settle a whole bunch of trouble and work things out? Only time will tell.

  Phoenix in Flames

  Book 5

  Glint

  Who is George anyway? He’s drawn to the shy female who sinks into the background so most don’t even notice her.

  George agrees to accompany Glint on a mission to assure her place on the ship permanently. Now she finds she likes him a little too much and males usually don’t even know she’s there.

  Can two people looking for love find it with each other?

  Book 6

  Flicker

  Teresa was a human caught up with aliens. She’d escaped a world on the edge of Mazlan space with critical information that earned her a place on Oison. Flicker had been assigned to her and he was handsome and courteous. That wasn’t good enough when he made her panties melt.

  Flicker was a tad irritated that he’d been out in charge of a human spy. Sure, she was beautiful and intelligent. He even felt a strong pull toward her but he wanted to get back on his ship where he could prove his worth.

  Two confused people drawn together in an unusual situation. Will love grow or get stomped to death?

  Book 7

  Oak

  It wasn’t what he’d expected, this mating thing. Still, he wasn’t going to stop until he’d claimed his mate. She wouldn’t be easy to claim and she’d been through a lot, but he didn’t know how to give up.

  Angel had been through hell and back. The big guy, Oak was sweet, but she was damaged goods and he needed to let her go. It didn’t seem anything she said made a difference and everyone she had around her seemed to be on his side.

  Mr. Perfect and Miss hot mess, how could they ever manage to work things out?

  Book 8

  Elm

  The dark and distant Dr. Mike pulled him in until he couldn’t hold himself back. She didn’t mind sex as a stress reliever, but it was nothing more to her. Unfortunately to him it was everything.

  Her life wasn’t the kind you invited others into. She’d even warned him but still he wanted more. Her past was dangerous and she liked him enough to want him to stay safe.

  Two people who both felt something stronger but couldn’t agree on what to do. Would they throw love away or fight to keep it?

  Book 9

  Ash

  He was thrilled to join the crew with his brothers, Elm and Oak. Young, only by Phoenix standards he had now found his mate. She was young by human standards at twenty two. Her name was Nila and she worked closely with his sister by mating Angel. Her past had been harsh and she fought getting involved with him but he would win her heart.

  Nila caught her breath the moment she saw him. If a perfect man existed it was him. But Ash was too good for her and he seemed so young. She’d not recovered from her time with the slavers and wasn’t sure she ever would. He wanted a mate, but he would have to look elsewhere.

  Chapter 1

  Nila

  “Hello everyone.” He greeted, but his eyes were only on Nila. His siblings were all at the table with her and only one seat remained.

  He took that seat next to her and drew in a deep breath. Her perfume was light, vanilla with a musky undertone. Everyone said hello back then returned to their conversation. “This is great not having to watch communications around the clock.” Angel said.

  “Why is that?” He asked. It seemed he’d missed the important parts of the conversation because his replacement had been late.

  “We have extra help now. Our trainees are doing good enough that Nila and I can take meals and breaks together sometimes.” Angel explained. Nila never said much, but her big eyes looked at him. That was an improvement from her staring at the floor.r />
  “I will be training in communications eventually. I already trained in it among my people.” He admitted.

  “It will be a big help. Maple did well and only required to learn the differences between our equipment and yours. We’d love to get a look at yours. It seems way ahead of what we have available.” Angel admitted.

  “I would guess ours is cutting edge. As a mate you would be able to get a look at it when we visit my parents.” He replied. Soon, he intended Nila to be a mate too.

  She was so quiet and he was sure it was so others would forget she was there. That was something he would never do. His gaze zeroed in on her and he knew she was aware of it. Just like he was always aware of her. Anytime she was near, he felt it. That was one of the signs that she was his other half.

  Another sign was how badly he’d missed her recently when he’d been home on leave with his siblings and their mates. Two weeks that should have been pure enjoyment had been less because she was not there with him. Had she missed him at all?

  “How were things while we were gone, Nila?” He asked.

  “All we did was patrol. The other enemy ships finally left and the work on the meteoroid continued.” She replied.

  “I’ve heard it is almost ready to be outfitted.” Oak offered.

  “I’ve heard that too and that some of our crew will be supervising fitting it out.” Ash informed.

  “If Angel goes, I will as well.” Elm insisted.

  “That goes without saying.” Oak agreed.

  “I heard all communications trained crew except a few officers, will be going.” Ash added. He certainly wanted to go if Nila did. Since they weren’t mated yet, he couldn’t insist.

  “This was what I heard as well. Nila and I have already received word that we would be asked to do that. It’s voluntary, but we both agreed to do it.” Angel said.

  “Our world has become a complicated place. We no longer know what will happen from day to day.” Elm sighed heavily.

  “The thing is this enemy has always been just out of our reach. At least we know more about them now.” Mike declared.

  “I can’t argue that, but I don’t like many of the things we’ve learned.” Oak noted.

  “None of us do. But to win a battle we must know our enemy. They aren’t like the other ones we’ve had. This race is so different from any we’ve come into contact with.” Mike admitted.

  “They’re like locusts.” Elm said. No one could deny it. Now they just had to decide what to do about it,

  “We’d best get back to work. Nila and I got here first.” Angel explained. Oak leaned in to get his kiss. It raised the room temperature

  Elm did the same and it was as good if not even naughtier. He grinned. If there was a competition he would soon be in it. All he had to do was claim his resistant mate. His eyes moved to Nila who he caught looking at him. Her eyes quickly moved on. Was she thinking the same thing he was? Gods! He wanted his female in his arms so badly.

  Angel and Nila were now walking away as he watched his woman closely. Soon damn it or he would go crazy. “Making any progress?” Oak asked.

  “She looks at me instead of the floor. Nila has even answered me when I’ve spoken to her. Progress? Yes. It will be slow but I’m patient. Any advice from two who had their own challenges?”

  “You mean your brothers or Elm and I?” Mike asked.

  “Any of you that feel you can give me something to work with.”

  “Nila is younger and has been through much. I think you’re doing great and to push too much would be a mistake.” Mike replied.

  “What she said.” Elm agreed and Oak nodded.

  He sighed heavily. “I was afraid of that.”

  Now it was time to get back to work. The job his crew did was important and even for work like this where there was no bounty to sell, they’d get bonuses. Razar valued their work and they did an incredible job. They had been his secret weapon, but they were not so secret anymore. He was actually looking forward to working on the meteoroid and seeing the space observation center coming to life one piece at a time.

  The plans for it were little short of amazing with everything there to stop a team from going space crazy. They would quickly become self-sufficient and there would be several recreation areas integrated into the design. Those assigned there would get ten free visits to their choice of areas. Their visits would never expire and they could save them up to use for their families as well.

  Some places, like the gym, which would also have rock climbing walls, Jacuzzis, masseuses available at certain times, and a pool, would be free to everyone. There would also be a large aquarium with interesting sea life and some exotic gardens with paths for everyone to walk. He could not deny he was excited to see how it would all come together.

  For now he needed to put those thoughts in the back of his mind as he concentrated on the navigation console once he relieved Masters. One of the most important tasks at this console right now was finding any ships coming their way before they got too close. It wasn’t five minutes before a scan found an object coming their way. After a few minutes of watching it, he notified Teresa and Flicker.

  They were their quickly. “Isn’t that a natural object?” Teresa asked.

  “I don’t believe it is. Look at its flight path. It’s too uniform especially when the path shifts slightly and is corrected. It is headed right at us. The object also shows some odd readings.” He pointed them out.

  “Good catch. We’ll get with Razar. Let us know if anything changes.” Flicker directed.

  Now it was just a watch and wait game. Nothing changed and if all things remained the same, it would be here in three days. The job was pretty boring, but he was allowed to study the information on the navigation console and it showed everywhere the ship had been. While it had been fairly new when their team had first been given the ship, he’d not been on the team until later.

  When a target was acquired, all information on it and the surrounding area was downloaded to the console and left there. Targets had ranged from ice planets to completely tropical ones. Even unpopulated planets had been visited in the beginning because it had been more of an exploration ship. With the rebels causing trouble, that had quickly changed. Target in this case meant the same as destination.

  It was exciting to be a member of this crew and even more so now that he’d met Nila. She would see what they were to each other in time. That was all he hoped and dreamed for. For now, he needed to keep his mind sharp and on the job at hand. While things seemed dull right now, that could change in the blink of an eye.

  He loved the Earth sayings his two older brothers used. It was a shame he’d never been able to meet Patty, the female who had taught them all those sayings and so much more about old Earth. Someday he hoped to go there and see things for himself, or at least he had. Now it was said the planet was poisonous and only supported life in protective domes or other protective living spaces.

  Patty’s stations were much more like the Earth of old with themed motels and bars. Maybe his family could all go visit one of those places. A blip on the screen caught his eye before it ghosted out. Better safe than sorry, he reported it to the officer on duty.

  “It’s probably nothing, but keep a close watch and report it to whoever takes over from you.” The guy he’d never seen before directed.

  “I noted a ghost on the screen. Keep watch for it.” Ash told the female taking his place. Oak was in charge now so he went to talk to him.

  “Hey, Bro. I caught a blip that disappeared a few seconds later. I noted it on the console and mentioned it to the guy in charge. I can’t say why, but it made me nervous.”

  “I’ll be right on that. You go eat and rest up. I’m pulling up the visuals from your screen. When did you note it?” Oak asked.

  “Not long ago.”

  “Thanks. Now get out of here.”

  He grinned as he did just that. It was important to do a good job. Even above and beyond what was expected, but
he also liked his time off and hoped to catch Nila at supper. He headed toward the cafeteria pleased to see his Nila when he entered. She was still in line alone but getting her food. Stepping behind her, he was surprised when she turned to look at him.

  “Ash, I wasn’t expecting you.” Nila said.

  “I just got off my shift. We’re doing half a day four times a week. What do they have you on?”

  “We’ve got extras so we’re on half days but only three a week for now. It’s to make up for all those long shifts with no days off.”

  He followed along after her as she got to a table and sat. His butt hit the seat next to hers. “That’s good for you. A little rest never hurts. I’m off tomorrow, what about you?”

  “Yeah, me too.” Nila admitted.

  “Want to meet up and check out the gardens or the star room?” Her face turned pink but she nodded. It made him happy to be making progress. “Let’s meet at eight for breakfast.”

  They continued to talk as they ate until they were done. Once they finished and put up their trays, they went their separate ways, but he would see her in the morning. Once in his quarters, he showered and went to bed. Life was good.

  In the morning, he felt good. His step was lively as he headed down the hall to the cafeteria. Nila came in as soon as he claimed a table. That was alright because he had her seat saved for her. She sat down near him shyly saying hello. His heart beat a little quicker and her scent filled his nose. Today would be special. It might end up being the best day ever.

  “Have you decided where we’ll go yet?” Nila asked.