The Stubborn Lord Read Online Free PDF

fortune.”
    Mirek’s attention turned to the glowing crystal at Alek’s chest. He nodded and tried to smile, but his eyes were filled with a deep sadness. “Many blessings on your union, brother.”
    Alek started to speak, but there was nothing he could say to ease Mirek’s suffering. He knew that all too well. Mirek walked away, heading toward the high cliff where they normally made camp after a failed attempt. Tonight, Mirek would sleep there alone.
    “Is all well?” Bron asked him when they were alone enough to speak.
    Alek gave a small laugh, but the effort was forced. Worry filled him as he thought of the woman hidden in his tent. What if someone found her? What if she left? “What could be wrong? Three of us have been blessed, as well as all of our princely cousins. For whatever reason, the gods have finally decided to smile upon us. It is a good night for all but Mirek. Let us give thanks and collect our brides before the gods realize what they have done and change their minds.”
    “Don’t even think such things,” Bron scolded. His brother gave him a stern look and then turned to follow the other blessed grooms as they made their way back to the temple.
    Alek started to follow, but halfway there found himself turning toward the tents. He slipped through the paths, doing his best not to pass by any of the servants milling about the area. His skin hardened in warning. He focused his attention, letting his hearing zone in on his tent, instinctually knowing something was not right.
    “You are coming with us, Girl One Haven,” a male voice ordered from within Alek’s tent. “You have a debt to repay.”
    “It’s not my debt,” his bride answered. “How many times do I have to say it?”
    “Then you should have filed a grievance with the repossession company,” the man answered. “There are proper channels to be followed. We have confirmation of your legal sale.”
    Alek sprinted into action, running the distance to his tent, not caring who saw him.
    “Grievance? When?” his bride demanded. “I was unconscious the whole time!”
    “You are the property of Galaxy Brides until such a time as you are chosen,” another man answered. “We’re taking you to the unmarried grooms. You know the deal, Kendall Haven. Find one here or we have orders to transport you on to the next destination.”
    Two men tried to pull Alek’s bride through the front flap. Kendall kicked violently, landing a few blows. But she did not manage to free herself as they forced her to go with them.
    “Unhand my bride,” Alek ordered, enraged. He jerked the mask from his face to better see the two men should they choose to fight. One was slight of build and looked better suited to a dignitary position, but the other stood nearly as tall as a Draig and had the physique of a soldier.
    The men stopped, stunned to silence. Kendall swung, hitting the smaller man square in the jaw. The other released her and stepped to the side. The men shared a look.
    The larger man said, “Our apologies. Her tracker indicated she was not at the ceremony. We did not know she had been chosen. We’ll report her marital status to our superiors.”
    The other man rubbed his jaw. He gave Kendall a sour look as he reached into a hidden pocket on his red uniform. Pulling out a small device, he gestured it toward Alek before setting it on the ground. “This device will track her. We’ll mark the transaction as completed. She is yours now and we are no longer liable for her care or keep. If she gives you trouble, report it. For a fee we can track her in space and bring her back.”
    “Just leave,” Kendall said under her breath. Her eyes turned to the ground, but her body was tense with anger. She looked ready to pounce.
    The men gave Alek a wide berth as they hurried toward the docked luxury ship. Kendall breathed hard, not looking up until they were gone. She held up her hand. The knuckles were red and she flexed her fingers. Meeting Alek’s eyes,