Page 1 of Krin (The Protectorate Warriors Alien Fated Mates #3)

Krin

IN ALL MY TIME AS A Protectorate warrior, I had never witnessed attacks against the royal family.

In fact, peace had prevailed in the Alaran Empire for the last one hundred tenri.

But since our return to Alara due to Trex’s father’s unexpected death, we had faced a range of troubles.

Including the attempted assassination of Trex when we arrived.

Not to mention the incident involving the abduction of Grace, Trex’s K’sha, which fortunately concluded with her safe recovery and the discovery of his father’s killer.

The root cause of all the recent troubles was due to two races that did not belong in Alaran space.

A shape-changing enemy we referred to as the Unknown, who had allied themselves with the Krilex, a corrupt reptilian group of aliens from the Ashrak cluster.

One of the reasons I had delayed leaving Alara was because I wanted to protect a particular human female, and could not bear the thought of leaving her behind.

Riley stirred something in me I never believed was possible. And now, despite my anticipation of returning to space, I couldn’t shake the fact I wanted her to leave Alara with me.

Which, of course, would be selfish on my part.

My chest tightened as my mind flashed to the attractive, dark-haired female.

It had been many rotations since her rescue, and I had hoped to be more comfortable speaking to her by this point.

There were things I wanted to say to Riley, yet I failed to do so each time we spoke.

Several times since meeting the incredible female, when I’d been in her presence my mating marks on my biceps began to itch as if trying to activate.

My mind still had a hard time accepting what my heart already knew.

That Riley might truly be my K’sha.

It did not seem possible that both Trex and I would find our fated mates when so many other males had not.

That did not stop me from hoping it was true.

Regrettably, my last conversation with Riley failed as badly as the previous ones. Prior to Trex and Grace’s bonding ceremony, I approached her, intending to ask about her plans now that she was on Alara.

It was a struggle to find the perfect words as my heart raced when I stared into her brown eyes. Her soft, flowing hair framed her stunning face as it cascaded over her shoulders. Her sweet fragrance brought Qtara flowers to mind.

I wanted to tell Riley how much I desired her, but nonsense came out of my mouth instead. Then I began to overthink everything. Flutzing grik that I am, the next words out of my mouth were that I was looking forward to being back on patrols along the trade route.

Right away, I sensed a wave of disapproval from her. I watched as Riley’s mouth contorted and she swiftly spun around, muttering something I only partially heard. It was clear my remark upset her, since she stormed off with her hands clenched into fists.

We avoided one another after that.

Forcing my thoughts back to the present, I smiled as I faced King Trex’Ul. “It is quite unexpected to see you so soon after your bonding ceremony.”

A slow, warm smile spread across his face. “My intention is to return to my K’sha right after we are done speaking.” His smile widened. “Before you leave Alara, I wanted to have a conversation with you.”

He sat back in his chair. “You must be looking forward to returning to the Chetok, and being on patrol.”

I nodded. “I am.”

“Good. That’s good news,” Trex acknowledged. “There is something I want you to do before you leave,” he declared.

I sat up taller, smoothing my hands along my thighs. My pointy ears perked.

“Be sure to speak with Riley,” he stated.

My brows shot up. His suggestion sounded like more than friendly advice .

Did he know how hard it was for me to leave the enticing female behind?

I knew he was aware I thought she might be my K’sha, since my markings appeared to activate around her.

He had even reminded me to follow my own advice I had given him when he met Grace.

I recalled when he repeated my own words back to me. If she is truly your K’sha, there won’t be any issues. You should speak with her.

As a telepathic race, it would have been easy enough for him to hear my thoughts. It wasn’t like I was hiding my feelings for Riley. Though, I was certain that the brave beauty remained blissfully unaware of how she consumed my every thought.

With each breath I took, my posture grew more rigid, haunted by the recollection of our fleeting and unsuccessful encounters.

Departing Alara without catching one last glimpse of Riley was never part of my plan. Even if it meant another awkward interaction.

“I had planned to speak to her one last time,” I stated hoarsely before clearing my throat. I knew I could be gone for six cycles or more before returning to Alara.

The thought of not seeing Riley for such a long period filled me with dread. It caused a physical ache in my chest.

Trex’s face filled with empathy. “Riley claims she wants to be dropped at a human colony.”

A heavy weight settled in my stomach. “She wants to leave Alara to join a colony?” I repeated, shocked. My brows curved downwards. “Why?”

The idea of being separated from her for half a tenri was already overwhelming. The thought of never seeing Riley again caused me such intense physical pain it twisted my stomach into knots.

My dismay was evident as I ran a hand through my hair, shaking my head. “I won’t drop her off at a human colony. Don’t ask that of me, please.”

Trex frowned, and his eyes filled with understanding. “I would not ask you to do that. But I wanted you to know that she says she wants to leave Alara.”

“If you are suggesting I ask her to remain on the Chetok, you know I cannot do that even if I want to. It would be wrong to ask that of her,” I insisted.

Trex pressed his lips, then spoke firmly. “She has already asked to go with you. Though she claims she wants to go to a colony, I believe she wants to remain on the Chetok.”

I swallowed hard. Did she realize what she was asking? Or just how dangerous it was out there? What if she was taken, or hurt?

How can Trex condone me taking her with me?

My voice wavered with uncertainty. “It is unsafe. It is not like I can make her part of the ship’s crew. We both know females cannot be part of the Protectorate forces.”

Trex’s smile grew wider, but I found it irritating rather than reassuring. “The rules can be changed, if you can find something for her skill set that works. That is, if she truly doesn’t want to go to a human colony after all.”

What he was suggesting was way too risky.

My voice was strained. “But...”

What could I say. Wasn’t this what I wanted? To have her with me on the Chetok?

Trex’s grin remained constant, almost cocky. “Riley was a soldier before she was abducted. You should speak with her about what she wishes to do moving forward.”

“Yes, but how can...” I objected.

Trex lifted his palm, halting me mid-sentence. “Has she told you anything about her skills or what she used to do in the Sol system?”

“No.” Why would she?

I’d barely spoken to her. And when I did, it seemed all I did was upset her.

How was I to know Riley had been contemplating joining a human colony. Or if that statement held any truth at all.

I believed she enjoyed living on Alara because she had Grace and Olivia here with her. The trio had become close friends.

Why would she want to start over in a colony?

Then I recalled a few seemingly random discussions I had with Grace, Trex’s K’sha. She repeatedly stressed that Riley was a warrior, often referring to her as a special forces soldier.

The attractive, outspoken female had already impressed me with her courage, leaving me in awe.

Trex persisted. “Riley admitted to Grace her reasoning for wanting to leave was because she has skill’s she feels would be useful within the Protectorate’s allied forces.”

I clenched my palms against the chair’s arms, feeling them tighten.

“Are you going to tell me what these skills are? I need a little help here.” My throat constricted as I finished speaking.

Trex leaned forward, placing his forearms on his desk.

His deep voice shifted to a conspiratorial pitch.

“Riley mentioned her previous training included combat. I suspect there is more she is not saying. From my understanding, she is also capable of comprehending and effectively using advanced technology, including data retrieval and computing. Perhaps she would be suited to a position in the command center? Navigation perhaps?”

“How do you know any of this?” There was a stirring of envy in my chest, but I was able to control it. Compared to me, Trex displayed a higher level of impulsiveness and faster reactions.

“I heard her speaking to my K’sha. And I was assured by Grace that if Riley asked for a job, she would excel in any position she believed was suitable for her.”

I scratched my head, the worry gnawing at my thoughts and refusing to let go. “What about her safety? How can I protect her if she is off doing things I can’t control?”

Trex let out a laugh that echoed through the room.

“Have you learned nothing of females yet? You can’t control them, Krin. You can only be there for her, and support her. If you want your K’sha to be happy, do what you can to honor her requests.”

“When Grace wanted to use her medical training to work with Rekna, I tried to advise against it at first. She didn’t let it go, and soon I realized it was something that would make her happy, so I agreed.”

Grace worked at the palace infirmary, and was being mentored in Alaran medicine by Rekna, the Chetok’s former head medic. She was a stubborn female, but I knew Trex honored and loved her more than anything.

Trex cleared his throat before adding. “Krin, this is not my business, but as your friend I have an obligation to say something.”

I acknowledged him with a nod, concealing my emotions. I clenched my hands tightly as I shifted them to my lap.

Trex continued. “When I met Grace, I was unfamiliar with human females, just like you are. I assure you, if you leave here without your K’sha, you will regret it. It will seem as though a piece of you is absent. Trust me on this.”

The bond he and his K’sha shared was something I could only dream about. But Grace was not like Riley. And I was not as confident around females as Trex had been.

I shook my head, cursing under my breath.

The very idea of claiming Riley led to a whole host of problems in my mind. The main one being her safety. If she was to stay with me, I would be putting her in harm’s way. Yet leaving her behind felt unbearable.

“You are telling me to do whatever will make her happy, while keeping her safe. That may not be easy,” I stated. “What if I cannot do that?”

Trex released a long sigh.

“The longer you delay claiming Riley, the more difficult it will become for both of you.” It was clear that Trex held a steadfast belief in this. “The fated mate bond must not be ignored.”

I hung my head in shame.

Trex’s brows rose in a slow arch. “You have spoken to her about her being your fated mate, have you not?”

I scratched the back of my neck, grimacing. “Kind of.”

Of course, I had not addressed the fact she was my K’sha. How could I when we barely spoke to one another.

My friend shook his head as he spoke. “Honestly, Krin. I know this is hard for you, but you must know where she stands on the matter. I am aware human females are complicated. But I assure you, she cares about you.”

It was pointless to deny the truth. If Trex had the insight to realize that she was my K’sha, then I couldn’t ignore it, either.

I responded with a smile and a shrug. “What about the rules? The Council?”

“I am the King of the Alaran Empire. And the Commander of the Protectorate forces. I will make the Council understand that we have to make allowances for our mates, and our future. Times are changing, and the Empire must change along with it. “

“Not every female is similar to Riley, who was a warrior, but those who are should have the opportunity to join the Protectorate,” he remarked.

Grace had obviously shifted his thinking in this direction.

The Trex I knew from my childhood and worked alongside on the Chetok would never have proposed such an idea.

Maybe he was right. Changes were happening in the Empire.

Still, I couldn’t bear to see anything happen to my K’sha because of me, and my selfish desire to have Riley at my side.

“Are you sure about this? Me asking her to leave with me on the Chetok?”

“Yes. Do not worry. I am confident she has no interest in going to a human colony. She may become part of the Chetok’s crew, when you find out where she is safest, and best suited.”

My K’sha was strong, smart, and capable. I had no doubt she would do well with whatever she wanted to do. My friend had a valid point.

It might not be a bad idea to ask her to accompany me... us on our mission.

“I will speak to Commander Ezan and see what we can come up with.”

“You have my blessing. I am happy you have found your K’sha, Krin.” Trex grinned. “Once the law permitting females to join the Protectorate is approved, all ships will receive notification of it.”

“Thank you, Trex.” I stood, ready to leave.

My friend’s change in attitude after finding his K’sha gave me hope for my relationship with Riley.

I had delayed the inevitable for far too long. It was time to claim Riley as my K’sha.

King Trex beamed. “I wouldn’t dream of keeping you from your mate. And from what I know of Riley, she is more outspoken than most females. I am sure she will be a great addition to the crew.”

I experienced a brief moment of joy before reality sank in. If Riley agreed to go with me, would she insist on joining the crew even if I didn’t make the offer?

Even with Trex’s permission I wasn’t sure I could put her in harm’s way.

Once I disclose that she is my K’sha, would Riley be willing to entertain the idea of our mating bond?

The possibility of her rejecting me as her mate filled me with dread.

Despite everything, I would still bring her along if that was what she wanted.