Page 1 of Sasha’s Bounties

CHAPTERONE

Sasha

* * *

Before…

I kick the decrepit old porch swing into a gentle sway, listening to the wood pop and groan under my weight. I’m sure someday it’s going to dump me on my ass. For now, at least, it holds, and I lift the cold beer that’s sweating in my hand to my lips. Lightning flashes in the distance followed, a few beats later, by the faint sound of thunder.

This is my favorite time of the day. After the sun has set and gentle gusts of wind stir up the tall corn stalks that surround the century old farmhouse that has been my home since I was born. The house I’d hoped to raise my own family in. Someday.

The storm is still a way off and it’s too soon to tell if it’ll turn nasty. Seeing as we’re smack in the middle of Kansas and it’s tornado season, there’s always that possibility. But with any luck it’ll pass on by.

I take another pull from the longneck bottle and snort. I can’t say as I’ve had much in the way of luck lately.

The youngest of five, all I’ve wanted since I can remember is to take over the farm that’s been in our family for generations. Of course, I also planned on having my family around to help that dream become a reality. Instead, my brothers and sisters all beat feet to the city. Leaving the farm to my parents and me. But when my mama started showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, papa made the decision to move to the city too. So, they could be closer to her doctors.

I give the railing another kick to keep the swing rocking and watch as the paint flakes and falls away. I add sanding and painting to my growing list of things the old house needs.

In a lot of ways, I got exactly what I’ve always wanted. I got a loan through the bank and Papa signed over the deed to the farm to me. Even with the loan, I can barely cover the cost of necessary repairs my folks have been putting off since Mama got sick and us kids started moving away. There is nowhere near enough left to hire the help I need. Despite all my hard work and stubbornness, I’m realizing taking care of a farm this size is way too much for one person. And it’s not even harvest yet.

I tip the bottle back and nudge the swing again.

What the hell am I gonna do?

I know Papa will help. But that still leaves the two of us. And, as much as he tries to deny it, he’s gettin’ up in his years.

Something big flashes over the horizon.

Great. Looks like the storm is coming this way after all.

Kicking off on the porch once more I take another drink and start to mentally check off what I’ll need to grab if I have to head into the storm cellar.

Another flash just above the horizon has me squinting. That… isn’t like any lightening I’ve ever seen.

Putting my foot down, I stop the swing and lean forward.What is that?

The corn stalks are really swaying now, and a low vibration has started up, whining in my ears until they feel like they’re going to pop.

Slowly, my eyes lift. Above the rows of corn. Up. Up. Until…

“What the fu—“

A blinding white light hits me, cutting off the scream that barely leaves my throat.

* * *

Now…

I’m sitting on the floor curled up into a tight ball. Or as tight a ball as I can manage with my arms shackled above my head. My fingers tingle painfully from the awkward angle, and I’m naked.

Stillnaked.

I’ve been naked ever since I woke up on an alien spaceship with five other women. That was… how long ago now? Weeks? A month? Fuck, I have no idea.

At least for the moment my newest captors aren’t paying me any attention.

A loud, thumping bass beat pounds through my chest as the four-foot-tall aliens dance and stomp around the small ship. Celebrating. What exactly, I’m not sure. To be honest, I don’t really think I want to know.

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