Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 119846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 599(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 599(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
A hiss brushed her ear like a snake slithering over stones.
“Drop your hands and show your goods,” the alien stylist whispered sharply, her breath cold as ice. “Or you’ll get a taste of pain.”
A tremor shot through Noelle as she lowered her arms to her sides. Her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles ached. Her body felt exposed—trembling and utterly defenseless, and the silver filigree collar around her throat suddenly felt like it was choking her.
Blessed Virgin, please… help me through this!
The lights were blinding. She had to squint to make sense of the shapes moving beyond them. A vast semicircle of seats rose in tiers, packed with alien bodies—some massive…some spindly…some shimmering and some covered in scales or fur. The air was full of muffled murmurs, clicking tongues, guttural growls, and strange scents she couldn’t place.
Three figures in particular stood out.
To her right, in the front row, was a creature that looked like a giant praying mantis crossed with a jeweled statue. Its entire exoskeleton glimmered with shifting colors—reds, greens, and blues—as though tiny gemstones were embedded under its translucent shell. Its large black eyes had no pupils, and its delicate, segmented forelimbs rubbed together in a quick, eager motion.
Farther back, she saw a creature made of fog and shadow—literally. A tall, thin, wraithlike being whose outline flickered like a flame, as if its body refused to fully solidify. Its eyes were pale blue lanterns in a face with no mouth at all. It tilted its head, silently studying her, the faint mist of its body curling around its seat like smoke.
And on the left side of the room sat something that looked like a reptilian centaur: a hulking, six-legged beast covered in dark green scales, with a humanoid torso rising from its middle. Its head was wide and flat, almost crocodilian, with two rows of small, needle-like teeth and a crown of bony frills. It flicked a long, barbed tail back and forth, clearly impatient.
Noelle’s pulse banged against her ribs.
Dios…what kind of people are these? What are these creatures going to do to us if they buy us?
The alien—who was now acting as an auctioneer—floated to center stage, hands raised, her silver robes fluttering like wings.
“Ladies, gentlemen, and beings of all configurations,” she trilled, her dual-toned voice echoing across the chamber, “Feast your eyes upon our next offering! A rare, delightful item—a breeding trio, also known as a sexual triad.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
Burn stiffened at Noelle’s side, his jaw clenching.
Bright muttered, “Gods!” under his breath.
The auctioneer gestured grandly toward Burn.
“This big male here would make an excellent bodyguard. Muscles upon muscles! Strength beyond what most species can even imagine.”
Burn growled low, and even though she couldn’t see it, Noelle felt his fury rising like static in the air. His eyes must be going red—clearly, he hated being displayed like some kind of animal. She felt the same way.
“Next,” the alien auctioneer said, sweeping her arm to Bright, “We have a certified accountant. Excellent with numbers, ledgers, and calculations—perfect for managing estates, businesses, or personal wealth.”
Bright’s expression didn’t change, but Noelle saw the way his throat bobbed as he swallowed. The meat-market-like atmosphere was getting to him too.
“And last but of course not least…” The alien’s gaze slid to Noelle. “This little female. An excellent maid—petite, compliant, and above all, fertile.”
Heat flooded Noelle’s cheeks. She stared at the stage floor, her breathing shallow.
“And look at those breasts—so ripe for making milk!” the auctioneer crooned. “Her womb has been thoroughly mapped as well and is ready for implantation.”
A roar of approval rumbled through the alien crowd.
Noelle’s face burned. She wanted to sink into the stage and disappear.
Madre de Dios… this can’t be happening. How can I be standing here like this in front of all these strangers with everything on display?
Burn stepped closer to her, his massive body pressing protectively against her side. “This is fucking bullshit,” he muttered.
Bright leaned in as well, voice low.
“It’s going to be all right, sweetheart. We’ve got you.”
The auctioneer continued, undeterred.
“You will note that this trio comes as a set. Their species requires two males to adequately impregnate the female. Both must breed her for conception to occur. So keep that in mind when placing your bids!”
A low, interested murmur rolled through the auditorium. Then, from the shadows of the middle tier, came a grinding voice so deep it rattled Noelle’s bones.
“You say they are a breeding trio? Why two males and one female instead of two females and one male?”
The auctioneer smiled brightly.
“Why, because that’s their natural biological structure. The seed of both males must mix inside her in order for the female to become pregnant.”
Noelle squinted past the lights, trying to see the speaker. When she finally saw him, her stomach dropped.
Sitting in the center row—taking up three seats—was a monster straight out of a nightmare… or a child’s fairytale book she’d once had, with ink drawings of giants and trolls.