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Page 7 of His Fierce Fugitive (Earthly Possessions #2)

7

IRIS

T he jungle canopy above filters the sunlight, casting dappled shadows that dance across Tak's silver skin. His chest rises and falls with a steady rhythm, a stark contrast to the turbulent storm raging inside me. I can't believe I just had sex with an alien—and not just any alien, but Tak.

And not just any sex… spectacular sex. The best sex of my life.

What was I thinking? I wasn't, clearly. Or at least, I wasn’t thinking with the proper part of my brain. One minute I was tangled in those creepy vines, and the next, wrapped in Tak's arms, consumed by a desire I hadn't felt in years.

Something about him ignites a fire within me that burns away all rational thought. Now, in the quiet aftermath, reality comes crashing down around me like a cold, eye-opening wave.

A part of me wants to reach out, to trace the line of his strong jaw, to run my fingers through his silvery hair. But I don't. I can't. Because if I do, it means admitting that this could mean something more than what it really is. That he means something to me.

Am I ready for that?

My heart pounds in my chest as panic sets in. I’ve been here before—vulnerable, open, trusting. And look where that got me. Betrayed, broken, and vowing never to let anyone in again. Yet here I am, feeling things I swore I'd never feel again.

It's terrifying.

I need to move, to do something, anything to distract myself from all of these …emotions.

Survival. I need to focus on survival. We're still in the middle of a dangerous jungle, with who knows what kind of threats lurking around every corner.

I can't afford to get distracted by… feelings.

But even as I tell myself this, I can't help but lose myself in his electric green eyes, as a soft smile curves his lips. My heart does a stupid little flip, and I hate myself for it.

"Iris," he murmurs, stroking my back.

"We need to keep moving," I say, my voice sharper than I intend. I see the flicker of confusion in his eyes, but he nods, pushing himself up.

"Of course," he replies, his tone patient and understanding. It only makes me feel worse. Why can't he just be a jerk? It would make this so much easier.

As he dresses, I turn away, and put on my own clothes. I can feel his gaze on me, but I refuse to meet it. If I do, I know I'll see that kindness, that gentle smile, and it will chip away at my defenses even more.

We set off through the jungle, Tak leading the way with his unerring sense of direction. I follow, my mind in a constant battle with my heart. It leaves me exhausted and on edge.

Tak glances at me, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright, Iris?"

"Fine," I snap, immediately regretting my tone. I take a deep breath, trying to soften my voice. "I'm just… thinking about our next steps."

He nods, but I can see he doesn't believe me. He may know something's wrong, but he doesn't push. Instead, he reaches out, gently taking my hand. His touch is warm, comforting, and briefly, I let myself lean into it.

Slowly, the fear creeps back in, and I pull away, putting space between us. Tak's hand falls to his side. He says nothing, just keeps walking. I can see the hurt in his eyes, and it tears at my insides.

As we walk, I can't help but feel like I'm walking a tightrope, balanced precariously between my fear of vulnerability and my feelings for Tak.

I must’ve let myself lag behind for neither me nor Tak heard someone come up from behind.

The cold, calloused grip of a massive hand clamps around my wrist. Instinct kicks in, and I try to twist free, but the hold is unyielding.

Tak turns his eyes flashing with fury as he sees who has me.

The Warden of Lyrica, a hulking beast of an alien, that looks like a sasquatch in handmade leather clothes, grins maliciously. "Thought you could escape me and my prison, did you?" he sneers, his breath hot and foul. Two additional guards, minotaur-like, and heavily armed, flank Tak, their weapons pointed at him.

"Let her go," Tak growls, his voice a low, threatening rumble.

The Warden chuckles, sounding like a life-long smoker chewing gravel. "You're in no position to make demands, Kraetian." He jerks me closer, his grip bruising. "I had to come after you myself. My jailers couldn't be trusted to do the job right."

Tak's eyes narrow, and I can see the calculations spinning through his mind. He's not just a tracker; he's a strategist, always looking for the best way to turn a situation around.

"You're making a big mistake, asshole," I snap. "We have powerful allies."

The Warden laughs, a harsh, grating sound. "Powerful allies? You mean Ydris? I just met with the King and his new Queen. They’re clueless. Told them I’d do my best to find you. I didn’t say if I did that I’d let them know. You’ll be quite the prize for the right buyer." He drags me toward the ship, the guards shoving Tak along beside us.

Tak's eyes meet mine, and there's a spark of something there.

As we're loaded up the ramp onto the ship, Tak makes his move. With a swiftness that belies his size, he snatches a taser from one of the guards, breaking free from their grasp. He lunges at the Warden, the taser crackling with electricity.

The Warden yelps in pain as Tak steps on his bulky chest to hold him down, then yanks the laser gun from his belt.

Two fiery rounds blast from the gun, striking down each guard.

I stumble on the ramp, catching myself on the side of the ship.

I watch as the Warden rises up behind him. “Tak!” I yell.

But as Tak turns back the Warden swipes at Tak, his claws raking a huge gash across Tak's chest. Dark blue blood pours from the wound, and Tak staggers back, his face contorted in pain.

“No!” I don't think; I just act. I pick up the laser gun from one of the guards and shoot the Warden in the back. He falls with a hard thud, his body going instantly still.

I drop the gun, my hands shaking.

I’ve never killed anyone before.

I look over to my silver alien. "Tak!" I rush to his side, my heart pounding heavy in my chest. He's slumped on the ground, his hand pressed to the wound, blood seeping through his fingers.

"Iris," he murmurs, his voice weak. "You... you saved me."

"Don't talk," I say, my voice choked. I pull the tool kit from Tak’s pack at his belt. I’m trembling as I try to open it. "I need to stop the bleeding."

I work quickly, tearing open the kit and pulling out gauze and antiseptic. I clean the wound as best I can, my heart aching at the sight of his blood. I press the gauze to the gash, applying pressure.

"You're going to be okay," I whisper, more to myself than to him. "We're going to get out of here."

Tak's eyes flutter open, and he gives me a small smile. "If I don’t make it…know that I love you, Iris. Whether or not you believe it, you’re my mate. I know it in my heart."

I blink back tears, my throat tight. "Don’t say that. You’re going to make it." I sniff. "I refuse to let fate dictate who I love. But…in our case, I think fate got it right. I love you, too, Tak."

His amazing green eyes widen, and he reaches up to stroke my cheek. "There’s no way I’m not going make it now. If I have you by my side, my world is complete."