Page 20 of Krin (The Protectorate Warriors Alien Fated Mates #3)

Riley

OUR ARRIVAL AT TAZIRA space station today had me excited to discover what it was like inside. On the bridge, I watched as we neared the huge structure on the holo-screen.

The station resembled an ancient spinning top in its shape. The width decreased towards the top and bottom, while the middle remained wide. Honestly, the space station was massive. Much bigger than I expected it to be.

Krin mentioned to me that the huge alien-made structure was populated with aliens of all kinds. The place was apparently a buzzing trade hub, right on the primary route that connected Alara, Tulia and a bunch of other smaller planets. There appeared to be multiple levels to the space dock.

I’d learned the station had a generous habitat area for its residents.

Krin had also warned of the existence of less pleasant areas on the lower levels of the space station, which we would stay away from. I didn’t question it, understanding that there were dangers lurking virtually everywhere in space.

On the main level there were numerous kinds of places to eat. Commerce of all kinds took place there. Excluding slave auctions.

The practice of slavery was banned in Alaran space.

Along with slave planets existing, I recently discovered that in the neutral zone, prostitution was allowed. Aliens willingly worked at establishments known as pleasure houses. Somehow, that was seen as okay since the workers were paid. People had to earn a living, who was I to judge.

How Krin knew about pleasure houses was not a question I posed, obviously.

Soon Krin and I were walking through the airlock, and stepping onto the station.

After going through security, we proceeded to the main promenade level. When my eyes took in the scene before me, I released a low gasp in surprise.

The air was filled with a variety of scents, creating a sensory delight.

Walking around us were hundreds of aliens of all kinds, shapes, colors and sizes.

Even humans.

It was loud with the sound of shouting vendors, beings laughing, or making strange chittering sounds. My eyes were wide, trying to take in everything.

Krin moved closer and enveloped me in a side hug.

I cast a quick glance at him. “Wow. This is amazing. I never imagined such a place could exist.”

He beamed. “I figured you’d find it interesting. Wait until I show you around a little.”

I stared in awe at everything around me, causing my head to swing back and forth.

Vendors lined the open stands, selling their goods all around us. There was a continuous row of shops, extending further back. I was taken aback by the range of options available. There was everything from food, to engine parts, to clothing.

“Where should we start?” I asked, a bit overwhelmed by the choices.

I locked eyes with Krin as a small smile formed on his lips. “Wherever you wish, my K’sha.”

My eagerness led me to take a couple of steps towards the crowd. Krin’s hand on my shoulder stopped me. A pleasant, warm sensation flooded the spot where he touched me.

With a firm tone, he compressed his lips and spoke. “Don’t venture far from me. It is not safe.”

“I thought you said it’s well protected. There are guards here. I saw them.” Surely no one would try anything with so many people around?

Krin squeezed my shoulder before dropping his hand. “It is. And there are. But you don’t know your way around the station, nor do you know the customs here. Trust me when I tell you, it is best if you stay by my side.”

I narrowed my eyes. This wasn’t going to be much fun if I had to stay glued to him.

Krin shook his head. “Tell me where you want to go.”

I pointed to a group of vendors, and my eyes landed on a stall with a collection of toiletry items that I immediately recognized. It appeared to be human operated, judging from the woman standing behind the display.

When we reached the table, the pleasant-looking woman smiled broadly at me.

“Is there anything I can help you with today?” She brushed hair away from her cheek. Her eyes quickly snapped to Krin, causing her to do a double take.

Ignoring my presence entirely, she quickly began flirting with him, not wasting any time making eyes at him.

I seethed with anger, feeling the muscles in my jaw tense up. I muttered as I shot a death stare at the woman who was eyeing Krin. “Never mind.”

After seizing Krin’s hand, I dragged him away from the booth.

When I turned to him, I noticed his forehead creasing. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No. I want to shop around. That’s all.”

His lips curved into a grin, then disappeared as soon as I grunted in irritation. How dare another woman look at my... wait, what the hell am I doing? This isn’t me.

Hunched over, I cursed myself. It was evident that Krin was mine without a doubt.

He’d claimed me. We were a bonded couple. There was no need for me to feel jealous. Regardless of my previous experiences with guys, I trusted Krin.

A sigh escaped me. Nothing was going to prevent me from relishing the experience of being on a real space station.

Nearby, I caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of my eye.

Turning to take a better look I glimpsed two aliens having a heated discussion. There was a tall, muscular alien with dark hair, and a bull-like face, who reminded me of a Minotaur from old Earth stories.

He appeared to have hair or fur on his arms and chest, similar to Aza, only darker.

The other being was a few inches shorter and had a much slimmer physique than him. His arms and legs were tentacles. He had a bald head, and silver skin. He wore no clothing.

Mid-conversation, the Minotaur alien stopped speaking and directed his gaze towards me with an angry scowl on his face. I turned, tugging Krin away from the area. “Did you see those two aliens arguing?” I asked in a low voice.

Krin gave a subtle nod. “The larger alien is a Nomu. They are an aggressive race. Many are bounty hunters or mercenaries. Ignore him. He has no reason to approach us,” he said in a low voice. “Stay close to me.”

I nodded. We walked a few more steps, and Krin peered down at me. “Do you want to return to the ship?” he asked.

“No. Why would I do that? I only just got here. I still have shopping to do. I’m not afraid.” I opened up the vest I had on over my top. “Besides, I have this.” I grinned when Krin’s eyes popped at the sight of the small dagger I had tucked away in a hidden pocket.

“ Flutz !” Krin hastily pulled my vest closed. “Do not let anyone see you are armed.”

He scanned the area before we continued through the main promenade to do some shopping.

I pretended I hadn’t concealed the fact that I was armed, and kept walking. “What about that shop?” I pointed to a storefront with clothing hanging in the window.

A sign was posted out front announcing specials on human clothing.

I stopped and eyed Krin. “I am going inside. I need you to wait out here.”

The last thing I needed was someone else eyeing him up in front of me. Not to mention he didn’t need to see me buying hygiene products.

Krin frowned, looking disappointed. “Are you certain?”

“Trust me. It’s better this way, big guy. I’m not comfortable buying some of the things I need with you standing next to me. Besides, you are right out front. You will see if anything happens.”

He shrugged, not looking convinced, but didn’t argue.

I sauntered into the shop and began checking out the clothes on the racks. They weren’t like any clothes I’d seen back on Luna. There was a diverse selection of dresses, skirts and tops in various colors and fabrics.

Because I didn’t wear dresses, even on Alara, I carried on searching. I was pretty confident I’d find something I liked that would fit.

At the back of the shop, I spotted a small area with toiletries. Bingo!

There was an older woman standing behind the counter as I approached. Thank goodness they had what I needed. Along with some tampons, I also grabbed some fancy shampoo, face cream, conditioner and a hairbrush.

After paying the lady, I grabbed my bag and headed back to the clothing section for one more look around.

In no time at all, a young man approached me.

With his hair tied back on the sides, he appeared to be in his mid-twenties and had purple hair.

His outfit comprised many layers in bright and varied colors.

“Can I be of assistance?” he asked, smiling. He took in my outfit before adding, “If you are looking for women’s dresses they are over there.”

I grinned. “I’m looking for pants, tops, that sort of thing. Not dresses.”

He put a finger to his chin and studied me for a moment.

“Sure. What colony are you from? It might help me point you in the right direction regarding style.”

“None. I was born on Luna. It’s in the Sol system.”

He gasped, dropping his hand to his side. “How did you end up way out here?”

“I was abducted and brought here.”

His eyes widened in shock. “Oh. Gosh, I am sorry...”

I shrugged.

He continued. “I’ve met no one from the Sol system before. That’s a long way from here.”

While he continued to talk I resumed browsing, and he followed along.

Holding up a couple of pants, I thought they would make a good starting point for my new wardrobe.

“Are you planning to remain in Alaran territory?” he asked.

I looked at him. “Yes. I’m staying on a starship.” My voice trailed off. I wasn’t about to tell a stranger my life story.

He waved his hand as if objecting. “That doesn’t sound like fun. You should work here on Tazira station. I could help you get a job-“

“She already has a job on my ship,” Krin growled.

I hadn’t even heard him approach, and didn’t see him enter the shop.

“Sorry, sir... I mean... of course. I was just being friendly.” The shop worker averted his gaze.

Krin squinted at the man before wrapping a possessive arm around my waist and drawing me close to him. He angled his head to look down at me. “Do you have everything you require, my mate?”

This is new.

I held back a chuckle at his demeanor. “Yes. I think so. I was just about to pay.”

“I will pay.”