The Thunder Egg

No ordinary rock...When history professor Drew Torson buys a thunder egg at a market, he expects a pretty rock for his collection-not for it to hatch. What emerges is no ordinary creature, and Drew isn't the only one who wants it. After a violent attack leaves him bleeding in an alley, his mysterious new friend Neyru flees-and finds help in the unlikeliest place.Freighter captain Afra Abrussen doesn't do heroics. She's got cargo to haul, debts to pay, and no time for trouble. But when a shimmering, sentient being begs for her help, she's drawn into a chase across the stars.With ruthless hunters closing in, Drew and Afra must uncover what Neyru truly is and how to get her home-before their enemies catch up. There's just one complication neither of them planned for: falling in love.This story first appeared in Pets in Space 6 in 2021. It is a novella-length space opera. Greta van der Rol writes fast-paced sci-fi romance, space opera, and paranormal adventures filled with danger, heart, and unforgettable characters. When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, photography, and chasing the next great story. Dryden universe books feature a Human Empire and a number of alien species, notably the warlike Yrmaks. The stories feature action, adventure, and a scoop of romance. Most of the books are stand alone, but Eye of the Mother, For the Greater Good, and Retribution feature the same characters.