Tia’s life has been defined by avoiding the priesthood, so when she finds herself on a foreign world with seductively familiar males, she is conflicted. General Jenner Mathwin is striking and his voice sends her body into a full-on riot. Can she trust him when it comes to offering her for sacrifice or will the Lassing priesthood tear her to pieces? She really hopes that her trust is earned because when she offers herself to the star’s avatar, she will be tied hand and foot in a public forum. It may be a little late to change her mind once they bind her…
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Sacrifice to the Stars
Copyright © 2011 Viola Grace
ISBN: 978-1-55487-762-1
Cover art by Martine Jardin
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Smashwords Edition
Sacrifice to the Stars
The Hashka Chronicles Book 1
By
Viola Grace
Dedication
To Janet, a stellar editor. You know what you do.
Chapter One
The flaring lights and panicked beeping of the shuttle caused Oritia to scramble at the controls. “Computer, identify the problem with the shuttle.”
The crisp voice answered her, “Meteor strike has disabled left engine. A course has been plotted to the nearest planet with habitable atmosphere.”
The beeping and lights swiftly got on her nerves. “Computer, disable the warning indicators. I acknowledge the problem. What planet are we heading for?”
The computer paused as it sent probes to the local satellites. “Emicar IV. Colonized in 3834. Population—mixed race with seventy percent being Hashka or Hashka blends.”
Oritia groaned and flexed her hands on the controls. Her body flared happily. It was pleased with the thought of being found out.
Her whole flight through the stars had been to get away from Hashka men. The supply of meds to suppress her mating scent was wearing thin, but she bolted some down as the com unit chirped with an incoming transmission.
“Shuttle. This is Emicar IV spaceport. Our instruments indicate you are in distress.”
“Confirmed, Emicar IV. My shuttle will not be able to reach another port. I would like to request permission to land.”
“Shuttlecraft, with your engine damage, you will not be able to land. We are dispatching a rescue vessel from the orbital station.”
Shit! “Acknowledged. I will be prepared for a grapple.”
“Shuttlecraft, you will be extracted for safety and your shuttle hauled to the station for repair.”
“Confirmed. Awaiting contact from the orbital station. Reducing speed and gliding in.”
“Excellent. We hope to see you safe and sound, miss.”
Right, her voice had given her away. She quickly scrambled to her feet and raced for her luggage. With a wince, she shoved her tunics and trousers into the airlock and blew it, scattering her clothes into space. In seconds, they were far behind.
Misrael clothing was not flattering, but it covered her from head to toe. The hood and loose drape of fabric that covered her face were uncomfortable, but until she had enough money to repair the shuttle, she would have to deal. The long, loose robes over flowing pants covered all of her skin except her hands. She rubbed the scent-deadening cream into her hands and ran an interior atmospheric check. A trace of her hormones remained, but she wasn’t going to risk blowing the air out of her shuttle to erase her presence.