Ranger: A Phoenix Warrior Romance (Phoenix in Flames Book 10) Read online

  Phoenix in Flames series

  Book 10

  Ranger

  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.

  Book 10

  Ranger

  He wants her but he has to deal with three brothers who shelter her and her natural shyness when it comes to all things sexual. Ranger can do it if he can just manage to spend some time with her, alone.

  Maple is shy and sweet, but Ranger makes her want to be sexy and dangerous. They say you should explore and not settle for the first male you want. But what if he’s the right one?

  Two fated mates, but will they manage to stay together when the world is trying to tear them apart?

  Chapter 1

  Pretty Maple

  She was his perfect other half. Too bad he was human and didn’t truly understand about mating a Phoenix. Three brothers watched every move he made even though they were all mated now. Their mates seemed to be on his
side because they distracted them so he and his Maple could have some time together.

  “Can we go somewhere tonight?” He whispered.

  “Why don’t we watch a movie on my computer?” Maple replied.

  That was probably because Ash and Nila were using the 3D room again. No way to tell which one or when they would be there. It was easier to hide the time they spent together but it made him feel like a coward. The problem was Maple refused to let him stand up to her brothers. She wanted no disagreements right now and maybe she was right.

  Flicker and Teresa would not appreciate infighting at this time with so much going on. They needed all of them to do their jobs without any problems. All of them were needed, even Maple and him. Their group was full of valuable personnel.

  His experience in all things needed for their ship and some good fighting skills he’d originally started as a hobby, made him valuable. Few humans had any of the skills he did, much less all of them. The Phoenix he’d been around seemed to have all of them. Maple was amazingly talented and capable in all fields.

  The only area he was sure he could best her was fighting. Her skills were improving and soon she would probably best him. Her brothers would tease him relentlessly when that happened. It seemed to be in their nature to give most people, even each other, a hard time, so he overlooked it.

  All he wanted to do was claim Maple forever, but he had much to learn about her kind. They had secrets, he knew it and he wanted to learn them all. The problem was he wanted Maple now. Maybe part of it was he was afraid she’d get away. Maybe her interest in him would wane. His confidence in other things was high, with her, fear of loss took over and he had no confidence at all.

  It was true that human females and even those of similar races often were attracted to him. But that didn’t seem to help him feel confident around Maple. She was just so pretty, confident, capable, and lovable. Maybe he wondered why she even wanted him?

  Right now, they were all going to a mission meeting. It was time to get things decided for the next week. As he walked in with Maple, they all turned and looked at them. Oak scowled and the other two brothers just looked unhappy.

  “Since we’re all here, let’s get started.” Flicker announced.

  “First I want to tell you this is more like the missions of old. Instead of sitting around and waiting on the new enemy, we’re going after the old criminals. We’ve gotten a tip on the location people are being held and experimented on. One is a possible Mazlan female.” Teresa admitted.

  “How did they get a Mazlan female?” Oak asked.

  “The emperor sold females that didn’t do as he said to the group that carried out experiments. We’ve looked for her for a while, but assumed she was dead or taken far away. She’s been hiding near Earth all along. Now we’ll get the chance to take her and the others home.” Teresa assured.

  “We’ll also be taking a side trip to Earth after we free the prisoners and take over the station they’re on.” Flicker added.

  “Sounds good. What do we have to do to prepare?” Oak asked.

  “Pick your replacements for here to take over while we’re gone. Send me the list for approval. The ship is being readied. We’ll be going on Night Dreams this time. She’s a bit smaller than our ship, but she will still hold 1000 or more guest and that still leaves a small by for other things or more guests. This will be a busy mission.” Teresa explained. “We’ll discuss it in detail once we’re on the way. We’ll have a week to kill on the way there.”

  The dismissal in her voice was obvious. They all stood and trooped out ready to begin what they’d been told to do. “Who is taking your place?” He asked.

  “Hoda, I think. That’s who I’ll suggest. She is gifted and has been working with me a lot lately.” Maple said.

  “I think I’ll suggest Kraft. He’s a Mazlan who has been on the ship a couple of months. The guy seems to have the job down.” Ranger said.

  “Sounds like we both have our permission work done.” Maple grinned at him.

  “That means it’s time to play.” He approved.

  “Think we can get in the 3D room before Ash and his lady?” Maple asked.

  “Nila usually gets him moving fast. We can check and see.” He led the way to the room.

  “Damn it. They got it again.” Maple cursed.

  “Those two are fast. Let’s go to my room and watch a movie.” He suggested. His eyes ran down his female.

  Her bright red hair, brighter than any of her brother’s hair, instantly drew attention. At five foot ten, she was taller than most if not all of the females on the crew. Her body was perfect and fit his exactly. Her eyes were a golden brown but lit up when she was excited like when they were making love.

  When she wore high heels, she could get up to his chin. Maple was emotionally strong and capable in everything she did. A lesser male might be intimidated but he was just proud of her accomplishments. Just as she was proud of everything he did. Deep inside he knew they were made to be together. Nothing, not even her family, would keep them apart.

  They made it down the hall and he opened his door to let her go in before him. He’d never been a neat guy, but lately he’d put more effort into it and he was certainly glad right now. The room looked reasonably neat as Maple looked around.

  “Why don’t you sit here and I’ll pull up a list of movies?” He chose a couple rom coms and a few action adventure. His Maple like the shoot them out fighting movies best. No surprise since she had become the best female fighter on board. She’d not been able to fight Teresa, but once the baby was born, Teresa would be back in shape quickly, or so she’d promised.

  Thankfully she picked a movie he liked too. He’d only seen it once so watching it again was no big deal. “I’ll pull it right up.” Which he did before he took the spot next to his lady.

  This movie started with someone being eaten by a wild beast. It was a bad guy so no one cried. Unfortunately an even worse one took his place. That was often true of real life as their current situation showed them.

  Heat and need washed over him as Maple was practically in his lap. The movie was scary as the good guys wandered in the jungle. They were being picked off by the bad guys and they were potential food for the beasts that lived there. It was a real nail biting situation and Maple was completely into it.

  ”I can’t watch this.” She whispered as she covered her eyes, but then she peeked through her fingers. “Oh, gods! They’re all going to die.”

  “It’s almost over.” He assured her as he hugged her tight.

  “I’m not sure I can watch a movie like that again.” She admitted.

  “You’re a soldier and this bothers you?” He grinned.

  “It does. I feel like I know those people.” She explained.

  ”It’s not real Sweetheart.” He explained.

  “I know, but it feels real.” Maple said as the movie ended.

  “Let me take you to bed and make you feel better.” He suggested with a leer.

  Maple smiled and held her arms open for him.

  Chapter 2

  My Ranger

  He wasn’t her first. No, Phoenix were very sexual beings. Her first had been years ago when she was a teenager. That male had been a distant relative, several cousins removed. Handsome, yes, as all Phoenix were. They’d scratched the itch for a couple of years, never being more than friends with benefits although she’d respected and liked him a lot.

  The spark, well fire actually, that her mother said she would feel immediately upon meeting her other half hadn’t been there with him or the two other males she’d had relationships with. That she’d not felt until she’d seen Ranger. She’d hidden it, from him so he wouldn’t think she was easy and her brothers hoping they’d not interfere.

  It had worked for a while, but surely Ranger realized by now how she felt for him and her brothers seemed to worry about the time she spent with Ranger all the time. Sneaking around was getting old and soon she’d have to take action. She
wasn’t giving him up, that wasn’t happening.

  Looking at her human, it was his eyes that had first pulled her in. They were black as the deepest part of space. That was until the spark of light hit them. Often that was when he looked at her. Where that energy came from, she couldn’t say.

  What was known however, was humans had been visited since the dawn if their species. They were a mix of so many different races, no one could guess what might lurk in the DNA of any human without testing. Did it even matter? Phoenix were good at including the best of other races and tossing out the worst when they mated them and had their babies.

  For some reason, her family seemed to be mating all humans. That meant the gods wanted something from the humans included in their race. All she knew was what was between her and Ranger went so far beyond just an attraction. She respected him, liked him, and wanted him. But it was more than that too, she burned for him to the point that being without him simply wasn’t possible.

  Right now, looking in his eyes, she could barely breathe. Her heart felt as if it might explode, and her body craved him as if he was the most powerful drug in existence. His lips lowered to hers claiming her in all his fiery wonder. She’d be burning up until he put the fire out.

  “Strip!” He demanded as he stepped back to undress himself.

  Clothes went everywhere as a sense of urgency took over. Soon they were bare and staring at each other with the wonder that might never end. Tall and muscular, his body was amazing especially when his cock was seen. Long and wide, he had nothing to be ashamed of and could hold his own against any race of male. Not that she let the fact that he was amazingly endowed make any decisions for her. That was just icing on an incredible cake.