In a universe of darkness and depravity, the Shielders battle to stay one step ahead of the powerful, vengeful Controllers, who are determined to destroy the entire Shielder race. The race’s survival depends on the quest of one man—Jarek san Ranul. He has found evidence of a wormhole he believes might offer the Shielders an escape to another galaxy. But he faces daunting challenges to make such a mission possible. When he meets Eirene Kane at a Pleasure Dome and she saves his life, he realizes she might be the key to facilitating his daring plan.

On the run from her cruel uncle and a Leor warlord who wants her as his bride, Eirene must hide her true identity. She’s an Enhancer, with rare powers that could get her sold to the highest bidder if she’s caught. Her flight puts her on a collision course with Jarek, who suspects her secret, and knows he needs her powers to make his plan work. Although Eirene refuses to admit she’s an Enhancer, Jarek believes otherwise and is desperate enough to kidnap her. During their enforced time together, a special bond forms between them, leaving Eirene torn between her attraction to this charismatic Shielder commander and the need to ensure her survival. Despite the danger should her true identity ever be exposed, she finds herself falling in love with Jarek, and wanting the one thing he claims will free them forever—Shamara.

Excerpt

She was terrified of channeling energy but more frightened of the mating act. Hopefully, if she could use just enough energy to inflame the client’s libido without hurting him, he wouldn’t notice her lack of experience—or her virginity.

A tone sounded and the panel by the entry lit up. “Oh, you’ve got a client already!” Lani sashayed over to the panel and indicated the display. “This will give you all the information you need to know about him. His name—first name only, of course—his race, his—ahem … personal preferences.”

Oh, Spirit. Her heart pounding, Eirene walked over and read the information. A humanoid male, Jarek, had purchased the whole evening. He didn’t state any unusual preferences.

“Oh, lucky you!” Lani squealed. “You got an easy one your first night here. He’s human. That’s better than having an alien.”

“An alien?” Eirene pressed her hand against the display to steady herself. She hadn’t even considered that possibility. “You mate with aliens?”

Lani shrugged, her feathers fluttering. “It’s really not so bad. I refuse to take the slimy ones, though. And some are quite … nice.”

Eirene shuddered.

“And your client is staying all night. That’s good,” Lani continued, seemingly oblivious to Eirene’s revulsion. “Of course, Madam Zandra always limits it to three in one shift. She wants us fresh and perky for the next night.”

Three in one night? Even more appalled, Eirene vaguely remembered Madam telling her that. Panic began to build in her tense body. Spirit, what was she doing here?

A chime sounded—her entry panel. “He’s already here. He’s an eager one!” Lani patted Eirene’s arm. “I’ll clear out. Have fun.” Balancing on her high spike heels, she strutted toward the panel adjoining Eirene’s chamber with hers.

Eirene battled the urge to drag Lani back and beg her to take this client.

Lani turned at the panel. “Oh, yes. There are alarm buttons by the bed, the couch, and the vibra-chair. If your client gets out of hand in any way, use one to call security. Madam doesn’t like for us to be roughed up or hurt. Ta-ta!” She was gone in a flash of blue feathers.

Alarm buttons? Roughed up? Hurt? The building knot of panic exploded and raced through Eirene’s body. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t. She didn’t know anything about mating. Well, actually, she knew how it was done, but—

The chime sounded again, a death knell from Eirene’s terrified perspective. No, she told herself firmly, willing herself to calm. This was a necessary step toward the freedom she sought. She was merely divesting herself of her most valuable known commodity, reducing her bartering value, and keeping herself out of the hands of the Leors. It would be far more dangerous should the fact she was an Enhancer be discovered.

Forcing air into her lungs, she opened the panel. She wasn’t wearing heels, and she wasn’t tall to begin with, which put her eye level with a masculine chest. Adrenaline resurged, and she froze, her gaze locked straight ahead. The black flightsuit her client wore fit snugly, emphasizing nice muscle delineation. He was solid, but not barrel-chested or overly developed like many Travan males.

“Hey. I’m up here.” His voice was pleasant, deep and quiet, but she thought she detected a hint of nervousness.

Reluctantly, she raised her gaze. He was relatively young, she realized, perhaps thirty-five seasons of age. He was clean-shaven, with dark eyes and wavy hair the color of rich brown yarton wood. He studied her in return, his gaze sliding over her face and down her body. She steeled herself, expecting the rush of lust she was accustomed to picking up from men . . . and felt nothing.

At least, no emotions. He radiated energy, as did all living things. She felt the warmth of his body, and sensed a calm well of strength within him. But no emotion—no lust, no anger, or joy, or even the nervousness she had heard in his voice. She drew another breath, trying to compose and center herself. Her fear was interfering with her powers. She couldn’t control this situation if she couldn’t lock on to his thoughts and feelings. And she had to be very careful, so she wouldn’t hurt him

. “I’m Jarek sa—” he began, then stopped, as if suddenly remembering no last names were given at the Dome. Madam Zandra had that information, of course, along with the client’s ID disk, which was held until the transaction was completed to the satisfaction of both parties. “I’m Jarek,” he finished lamely.

Eirene didn’t respond, trying again to link with his mind. Why wasn’t it working?