LOGINShare
8
Last Updated:
2024-06-28 05:54:59
Related chapters
Protected 9
ZURI POV My body practically buzzes with anxious nerves as I continuously fidget under the covers of my huge bed.Finally I sigh and get up. There is no point in trying to sleep right now. Maybe some of the other girls are having a hard time too. Maybe we can get to know one another more.I grab the soft robe I found hanging in the bathroom and throw it on over my bedtime clothes. I wouldn't mind speaking more with Krystal or Fiadh, even Jia. I creep out of my room and when I do I hear giggles coming from the room next door to me. It has a one on it and I am sure it is Krystal's room. Xiu wouldn't be laughing that loud so Krystal and Jia must be getting to know one another.I smile to myself instantly. I guess I wasn't the only one who thought hanging out with each other was a good idea.I head for the door on the other side of me and raise my hand to knock. But before I can I get scared. What if this is Xiu's room? What if she tells me to go away? I hating feeling rejected. I shak
Last Updated : 2024-06-30Protected 10
CULL POV "Capt. Cull, a visitor has arrived. She states she is your cousin. She is requesting a visit," Yson says as she comes into the main gathering room. I slowly open my eyes and look at her. I have been tired lately. Old battles and the deaths of countless friends have been haunting my nights making sleep hard to come by. So I have been hiding away ever since purchasing my new home. I haven't allowed anyone from my small family to properly congratulate me on becoming a Harvest Champion. Since my parents are gone, my only family left are my Aunt, her mate, and their daughter, Goma. (Go-muh) I should have expected they would confront me about not visiting them. "Please invite her in, Yson," I say as I stand up and straighten my new civilian clothes. My old uniform was dark blue and durable. These soft, breezy, brown clothes feel so strange against my skin. But they are what all males on Shikaz wear. Only the females dress in different colors. I will have to reacclimate my
Last Updated : 2024-07-05Protected 11
ZURI POV I sigh a little before glancing at Baalee. She has been setting up things for tomorrow and I can't help but feel anxious as I see the elaborate collection of makeup and beauty tools she has set out in the bathroom. "Okay so run me through the schedule again," I say as I pull my legs up onto the couch. Baalee shoots me a smile before walking out of the bathroom. She elegantly positions her long body on the couch in front of me and I grow jealous for the hundredth time. Every female Kea I have met has been beautiful. The other races' females are probably the same way. Baalee studies my expression for a moment before she takes a deep breath. "Alright, tomorrow is of course day one. It is the most important in my opinion... (she shoots me a wink and I quickly look down)... The galaxy's females greet each other and socialize for a little bit over some snacks. Then the Champions and the Females dine and dance together. This is the only time you get to spend with the cham
Last Updated : 2024-07-05Protected 12
ZURI POVAs we approach a set of blue sliding doors Baalee begins to slow down. She seems to be trying to buy us time and I am proven right when she begins to whisper instructions."When you enter they will announce you. Choose a table to sit down at as he is announcing you. Don't choose one close to the door. They will think you are easily intimidated. Walk with your head high. You are a glamorous female from Earth. Your comrades will arrive shortly and they will also be announced. You are the first to arrive so impress them," Baalee says in a rushed whisper just before the doors slide open.Baalee backs away from me with a smile on her face and I turn my gaze toward a massive room full of different colored people and tables."Ah the first human female has arrived, this is the stunning Zuri. She is twenty years old. She has dark brown skin and brown eyes. Her correspondent describes her as sweet, but strong willed. Please choose a table, Zuri. Your kinsmen will be joining you shortly,
Last Updated : 2024-07-06Protected 13
ZURI POV"Please stand as we move to the next round. Vaals, Glortinon, blue. Peulo, Kea, red. Earth, Cok, yellow. Frole, Hassin, orange. Makskin, Bronkark, Shikaz, green. Please take your seats your second course will be gund bread," the male announcer says with his amplified voice and we stand up.The Bronkarks give us smiles as we walk away from them, but the Froles act as if we are invisible. They head toward the orange table and we head for the yellow. Fiadh stays close to my side as we approach, but I refrain from taking her hand. I want us to seem strong. After the first round I am realizing just how hard it is going to be to gain respect from the other planets. "Hello," Jia says for us as we take our seats across from the sand colored Coks.They all nod to acknowledge the simple greeting and keep their faces surprisingly neutral. Once we are settled in our seats the middle one raises her hand."Please go first," she says politely and we all exchange looks of surprise. Jia n
Last Updated : 2024-07-09Protected 14
CAPT. CULL I crack my neck as I glance around the packed room. Familiar and unfamiliar faces are everywhere. Males I have fought beside or served under are packed in with the nameless males I don't know, but I haven't greeted a single one. My mind is too busy. My blood is practically boiling with adrenaline. Through the single orange door is the ballroom we will dine and dance with the females. And one of those females will be my mate. It is too much to think about. I tilt my head again and let out a deep sigh. I anxiously begin to straighten my familiar uniform. At least I am out of those civilian clothes. I don't have my wristband or my daggers but at least I am in clothing I find comfortable. "Capt. Cull," a voice calls and I look up to meet eyes with Capt. Moor from across the room. He smiles and cuts through the thick group of Cok Commanders. "Hey, Moor. Congrats on being a champion," I say as he reaches my side. He nods in response to my greeting and straightens his un
Last Updated : 2024-07-10Protected 15
ZURI POV"I am sure you do not remember my name, but I am Captain Nole. While you gave us information about your fellow Earthlings, you did not tell us about yourself, Jia from Earth," he says, and I look had Jia.She seems surprised by the large Bronkark's interest in who she is and that hurts my heart a little. Does she not deem herself worth mentioning?My mind makes a decision for me in that second and I am on my feet before I am really sure of what to say.When Jia looks up at me in surprise I smile down at her and place my hand on her shoulder. My brain takes me back to the night we all shared our stories with one another and I instantly remember the sadness on Jia's face when she told us about her life before the Harvest. She told us about how her parents eventually stopped visiting and how her family sort of moved on as if she was already dead. She had felt so unloved and lonely."Well not anymore, Jia. You have us," I think as I turn my attention toward the orange male."Jia
Last Updated : 2024-07-12Protected 16
ZURI POVAs the conversation dies down and the food disappears from everyone's plates my nerves return. The third and final portion of the evening is fast approaching and I am already mentally exhausted. We already did witty combat with the females. We met and ate with the males who have analyzed our actions the entire time we have been eating, and now we have to dance with people we might spend the rest of our lives with. I take a deep breath and glance toward Fiadh. The food on her plate has been pushed around, but I can tell she didn't eat much of it if she ate any at all. I know she ate a few snacks while we were meeting the females earlier but I worry about her. It's clear she is the most frightened out of all of us and if I am feeling nervous she must be terrified right now. After a few more minutes the dishes are removed from the table by the Keas and we look toward the announcer in expectant silence. He gives the long line of champions and females an excited smile, but we d
Last Updated : 2024-07-14
Latest chapter
Protected Epilogue
ZURI POV MANY MONTHS LATER Fiadh blushes scarlet as Terrax shoots her a wink and I can't help but smile. My friend has blossomed into a full-blown rose under Terrax's care, and I am so happy for her. He killed her abusers and rescued her mother all in one night. He made her dream come true. He leaves the balcony and she turns her attention back to me. "Stop smiling Zuri. You are making me blush more," Fiadh says and I chuckle before sipping on the hot drink Fiadh's assistant brought me. "Sorry, I am just happy for you," I say, and she shrugs playfully. "I am happy for you too. We have perfect lives," Fiadh says and I nod. I miss my siblings sometimes, but I know they are happy where they are. I had the American government lady check on them a few months after I completed my bonding with Cull. All of them were doing well and didn't need me interfering in their lives. Besides, my family is already growing, so I need to focus on it, not them. "You don't think we need bab
Protected 35
ZURI POV Rated R I hum softly as we walk back into our quiet secluded home. Meeting with Cull's family was amazing. They welcomed me with open arms, and after I got over not knowing Cull's full name, the afternoon blossomed into a great evening. Kima and Goma made us food that tasted better than Peela's. I had two servings of the weird but delicious dinner. Cull and Goma bickered but quickly got over it. She then told me the yellow blouse I am wearing was picked out by her. All in all, it was a good visit. "You seem happy," Cull says in a gentle voice as he watches me. I nod before doing a sporadic twirl. "I am. Your family is wonderful. All the Shikaz people we met today were sweet. Our home is beautiful. I have nothing to ask for," I declare to the room and Cull moves closer to me. He catches my hands in his and quickly positions us in the way we were when we danced. "If you wanted to dance you should have told me," he whispers before beginning to lead me around the la
Protected 34
CULL POVWe step off the transport and Zuri wraps her hand around my arm. The sense of peace that overtakes my body as soon as her body reconnects with mine makes me grin.I love the way it feels to have her holding onto me. It gives me such a sense of purpose.Before the Harvest, I had lost my sense of purpose. I wasn't a soldier anymore, and I wasn't a true champion yet. With her on my arm and my lips tingling from our first kiss I have a purpose. I am Zuri's mate. I am her provider. I am her protection."Wow, so this is what a village looks like here," Zuri says and I look down at her for a second before looking out at the fifteen homes spaced evenly apart.The sidewalks that link them all look nice and there are planted flowers everywhere. The area is kept by the retired males who live here, so it is beautiful. The homes aren't large, but they are nice. Kima's mate wasn't a soldier like my father and me, so he couldn't afford what I have given Zuri, but he made a good living for h
Protected 33
ZURI POV I giggle as another small Shikaz child waves at us excitedly. Everyone we have walked passed has either bowed their head a little or smiled at us, but the kids seem unable to contain their happiness. Some have yelled out or pointed, while others have waved like we are a friend they haven't seen in ages. "Harvest champions are known by all. We will be public figures from now on. I purchased a secluded home so we wouldn't get exhausted from the attention," Cull says quietly and I look up at his handsome face. His eyebrows are slightly furrowed and his mouth isn't turned up into a grin like it normally is. He must think I don't like the attention his people are giving me. He is wrong. After the way the Froles and Makskins treated us at the tournament, their greetings make me happy. They are showing I am accepted."It doesn't bother me at all. I feel accepted by everyone," I say and he gives me a small smirk before leading me into another shop. "Champion Cull, Welcome to m
Protected 32
CULL POV Zuri's eyes tighten again and she bites her bottom lip. She seems so nervous as I show her our home and my heart is tearing. I want her to feel safe and comfortable with me, but so far that does not seem to be the case. She has looked uncertain since we walked out of the transport room. "This is the big room. I filled the closet with clothes for you. If you do not like them we can replace them. My cousin Goma helped select them all, so hopefully, you will like them," I say as I lead her into the room she will be sleeping in. "It's huge," Zuri says as she takes in the mass area of the room with wide eyes. "Yes. While our home only has three bedrooms it is still large. When a soldier retires, he is given a large sum of money, but when a Soldier is selected to be a Harvest Champion, they are given a fortune. We are also given money from the actual tournament... We are expected to live lavishly. So most champions have huge homes, staff, and any other accommodation we pleas
Protected 31
ZURI POV Happiness is coursing through my body like a drug. Fiadh, Krystal, and I are the only ones left. Some groups haven't even had a female chosen yet. I can't believe we were all scared about not getting chosen. "Captain Maxim, please select your female," the announcer says and I watch as another orange giant from Bronkark steps out of line. He heads for the Hassin females and holds out his hand toward Ceenu. "Ceenu of Hassin, please accept my hand," the rather quiet male says and the metallic beauty beams at him. "I accept, Maxim," she says back, and another happy couple takes their turn waving at the crowd. The cheers for them aren't as loud as when Xiu or Jia left, but I think that is because none of the other males hold the title of Gold. "Captain Kaipo, it is your turn next," the Kea says, and the Cok, who danced with Xiu during the first dance, steps out of line. He smiles as he walks toward the four remaining Makskins. He stops in front of Zor's underlings and ho
Protected 30
CULL POV"The time has finally come. Commander Garlof as the winner of the Harvest, you can select your mate first. Will the fifty-five females from all over the Galaxy, please come forward," the announcer says, and I grow eager to see Zuri in a different dress. I might not have placed well in the final brawl, but I did achieve eleventh place. I defeated Orson fast enough to place within the top 15 and I am proud of that. I should have no problem claiming Zuri as mine. I have heard her name tossed around by a few males but they all placed after me. "Would you look at those dresses? Don't they look beautiful," the kea asks as I search the line of females for the group of blue dresses. When I spot Zuri my chest puffs out in pride. She looks radiant. Her final dress is gorgeous. The big skirt and lace sleeves shout feminine. When her eyes connect with mine I feel utterly complete. Although she isn't technically mine yet I can't turn off my happiness. I know Zuri will accept when I a
Protected 29
ZURI POV"The time has finally come. Commander Garlof as the winner of the Harvest, you can select your mate first. Will the fifty-five females from all over the Galaxy, please come forward," the announcer says, and I take a deep breath. I am so nervous. It's just like walking out in front of the crowd for the first time again. All eyes will be on us, but this time, in the end, we leave with the male we will spend our life with. I won't be returning to my room to talk with Fiadh or Baalee. I will be someone's mate. We all begin to walk and our ballgowns sway with each step. I try to keep my eyes on Krystal's brown hair, but the difference in the arena drags my attention away. The battle-worn field we have seen every day is different. Now there is an even black floor covering the massive open space. The only remaining grass is roped off in the middle and looks untouched. "Would you look at those dresses? Don't they look beautiful," the kea asks the crowd, and the crowd erupts into c
Protected 28
ZURI POV The last of the beast fights were quite boring. I didn't have anyone special to watch and it was clear the champions knew how to handle each kind of beast in the tournament. I am honestly glad it's over. Now we can focus on the important part, getting our mate."The Final day of the Harvest has arrived. All champions that fought a beast have moved on. All may challenge one another to prove they deserve the top spot. The last man standing goes first as the Winning champion. The order after his pick will be based on the fastest beast kill time. Then we move on to the champions from days three and four who lost. The longer they lasted in their battle against the top contenders, the higher their ranking. May the strongest win," the announcer says, and the crowd explodes with excitement. The sound is so loud Fiadh places her hands over her ears. The males run out of their holding area in a line while waving out at the crowd happily. When I see Cull my stomach fills with butte
