Page 5 of Krin (The Protectorate Warriors Alien Fated Mates #3)

Riley

UPON ENTERING THE MESS hall, I spotted a familiar group of warriors and approached their table. They glanced at me out of the corners of their eyes until I spoke.

“Hey, not sure if you remember me. I’m Riley.” I grinned, waiting for them to acknowledge me.

No one said anything, so I carried on. “Is there a gym or somewhere to train on the ship?”

If they didn’t feel like talking to me, I would entertain myself in other ways. A good start would be to get some exercise.

One of the warriors smirked, while another appeared worried judging from the crease between his brows. The third warrior totally ignored me and kept eating.

A corner of my mouth raised. I was pretty sure Smirky was the pilot who flew us from the slave planet to the Chetok when we were rescued.

He didn’t look like an Alaran. He had a smooth, velvety coat of fur. It was a light tan color, with subtle peach stripes. His cat-like eyes were a deep amber color. Wearing a cheeky grin, he was the first to talk. “My name is Aza.”

He gestured to the quiet warrior by his side. “This is Dril.”

I’d never met Dril before, and he didn’t give me a second glance, so I stayed silent.

Aza’s tail kept flicking back and forth behind him, even though he was seated.

“That is Kimur.” He gestured with his head at the warrior sitting across from him. Then he glanced back at me with bright eyes. “Are you looking for the training ring?”

Shrugging, I chuckled. “Yeah, sure, if that’s what you guys call it.”

Aza and Kimur shared a look.

“Anyway,” I said, stretching out the word. “Is there a spot to work out or maybe have a friendly sparring match?”

Aza stood, and Kimur gave him a warning look.

I looked back and forth between the three of them. Then stuck my hands out to the side. “What’s up?”

Kimur spoke up first. “We were informed by Captain Krin that you are a guest on the ship. The training ring is for the crew only.”

My spine snapped straight. Is he for real?

I remained motionless for a moment until I could talk. “That’s not fair. Krin won’t let me join the crew... so what... am I supposed to sit around doing nothing?” I threw my arms up in frustration releasing a swoosh of air.

Dril spoke up, raising his eyebrows as he fixed his gaze on Aza. “Why not tell her the truth?”

My brows arched. “What’s he talking about?”

Aza quickly brushed his hand over Dril’s head, and I caught a glimpse of his pointy claws.

At last, Dril made eye contact with me. His striking powder-blue eyes made him even more handsome. It was a hue that was new to me when it came to Alaran males.

I may have gasped in surprise. Thankfully, he ignored my response.

“Captain Krin instructed us to avoid any contact with you.”

My hands flew to my hips, my voice raised. “He did what?”

No wonder none of the warriors will speak to me. I shook my head. This is complete bullshit. Shocked and bewildered, my mouth twisted into a scowl.

Krin had no right to say who I could speak to or spend time with. Who the hell did he think he was?

Kimur gulped, and his palms shot up. “I assure you your safety is guaranteed on the ship.”

The silence in the mess hall was interrupted by the sound of my loud voice. My arms shot out in anger. “Seriously? You think that’s why I’m upset?”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“I’m surrounded by Protectorate warriors, for God’s sake. At least a hundred warriors who insist on acting like I don’t exist. Clearly, there is no threat to me here. What I want to know is why he told you to avoid me.” I let out a furious growl.

I had the impulse to march to the bridge and demand an explanation from Krin. But why bother, they wouldn’t allow me access.

Did Krin worry about the possibility of me unsettling the all-male energy aboard the ship? If that was the case why invite me on the ship at all?

My body felt like a tightly wound spring as the truth of the situation sank in.

In a show of defiance, I pushed my chin forward, daring anyone to challenge me. “Who’s up for a friendly sparring match?”

Aza’s laughter echoed through the room. “If that is what you want, I would be delighted to assist.”

As I observed Dril’s scowl, a faint recollection of Trex mentioning their relationship flickered in my memory, though I couldn’t recall the specifics.

Aza’s gentle strokes on Dril’s head confirmed what I thought. They were a couple.

He glanced in my direction once more. “Shall we proceed?”

He glanced at my baggy pants and oversized tunic that I had hastily grabbed from Alara before our departure. I didn’t have a great selection of clothing, unfortunately

“First, we must find you more suitable attire.”

ALL I HAD WERE A FEW ill-fitting tops and pants, nothing else. Luckily, my military issue boots were still in good condition, so I had those at least.

I was conscious that I would need to shop soon for essential items. It was one more thing I was hoping to chat with Krin about as well.

Aza replicated me a new pair of shorts, and I immediately changed into them. I laughed as I tried them on. They were too long, but the waist was manageable with a belt I had. I put on a short-sleeved top that I personally had made for me on Alara.

Thank goodness I didn’t care too much about looking flawless. Back on Alara, ladies were all about dresses, but that wasn’t for me. They were just not practical.

I brushed some stray hair off my face and returned to the hall where Aza was waiting.

He cracked up when he saw me. I joined him, knowing I looked absolutely ridiculous. Even though I was tall for a woman, I was still much smaller than everyone on the ship.

Plus, I had a lot less muscle than everyone else.

Aza and I walked together, going through some corridors I hadn’t seen before.

What seemed like several minutes later we stopped in front of a set of doors. Aza poked a few numbers into a panel beside one of the doors and it slid open.

I entered behind him and raised my eyebrows in surprise. “I had no idea there was an elevator. And I’ve been all over this ship.”

Aza grinned with closed lips. “I know you have. The ship’s sensors tell the bridge when unauthorized persons enter restricted areas.”

I crossed my arms. “I did nothing wrong if that’s what you’re getting at.”

He gave me a scolding look, tilting his head to the side.

“You did hack the computer system. And you borrowed some books without asking permission.”

My lips curved into a pout. “Fine. So why am I not in the brig or being kept under guard?”

“The Captain chose to take no action unless you put the ship or yourself at risk.” The corners of his mouth raised, filled with amusement.

Huh. “Is that why some corridors are always locked?” With enough time, I would access those areas too, but I hadn’t wanted to push things.

Krin was already giving me the cold shoulder. I didn’t need to piss him off, too.

Aza chuckled, clearly amused by my mock outrage. He was right. I definitely pushed the boundaries and snuck into places I shouldn’t have.

“Some areas are off-limits as they are not relevant for you to access,” commented Aza.

“Pfft. You act like I am some kind of criminal or something.”

The elevator glided without making a peep before the doors opened. Aza signaled for me to go out first.

I walked out, this time a little less excited.

“Your safety is our only concern.” Aza said as we walked.

“Yeah, safety.”

It was obvious I couldn’t wander around freely like I thought. It was na?ve to believe I could live on the ship. Especially since it seemed no one wanted me to be here. “Looks like there’s no way I’m ever going to be given a job with the crew,” I muttered, not realizing Aza could hear me.

“What skills do you have?” he asked.

I brushed my hands along the side of my head, eager to tell him about my experience in the military. “I’m good with computers. But I guess you knew that.” I pursed my lips before continuing. “Working with Luna base’s ground force, I was taught how to fight, shoot and collect intelligence.”

“You were a spy?” he asked, his face betraying his surprise.

I shrugged. “Kind of.” I was, but I wasn’t used to admitting it out loud. “I liked my job, and I was great at it.”

Aza smiled. “I have no doubt you are a skilled warrior.”

We entered a room through a set of huge double-doors. Skimming the room, there were areas covered with large, thick mats. The rest of the room had soft flooring like that found in the cleansing rooms.

The walls were adorned with what I presumed to be practice weapons, giving the space a sense of purpose and discipline.

Other than that, the room was plain, with no weights or gym equipment like I was used to. I wondered if Protectorate warriors were naturally sculpted with hardened muscle, or if they used other methods to maintain their awe-inspiring physiques.

I took a moment to stretch to the side as Aza unlaced his boots.

“Wait, you spar with nothing on your feet?” I asked, my voice filled with surprise wondering if it was a warrior thing, to toughen them up or something.

Aza stood and casually tossed his boots to the side. “I prefer bare feet when sparring. In battle, my claws are more lethal than the boots. Besides, this is more comfortable.”

To demonstrate, he gestured towards his furry feet, highlighting his clawed toes.

“I really hope you’re not planning on clawing me with those,” I half-joked, while my eyebrows shot to my hairline.

With a chuckle, he said, “Don’t worry. I will go easy on you.” He walked confidently to the center of the room, ready to spar.

I copied his movements and posture.

While I did train in combat and weapons at Luna base, I had been fortunate to avoid having to use them in a real battle. The whole point was for me to be like a ghost during my assignments. We were taught to only resort to force when we had no other choice.

My responsibilities at Luna base included protecting both individuals and military facilities, as well as infiltrating high-risk groups. There were several occasions where I had to gain access to places in order to steal back information.

Every time I faced danger, I always escaped unharmed. Just barely.

In comparison with the Protectorate warriors expertise in combat, my own skills didn’t even come close to their level of experience.

Aza watched me, waiting for me to make the first move.

The huge warrior, who was actually one of the slimmer aliens on the ship, gave me second thoughts about sparring with him.

“Do you mind if I ask where you’re from?” I asked, as we circled one another.

He grinned. “I was born on Alara, but my mother was Tulian and my father Alaran.” His eyes followed me closely the whole time.

“What part of you is Alaran?” I blurted without thinking, since he didn’t look at all like Trex, or the other blue-green males on the ship.

His brows wiggled up and down. “That’s a secret,” he laughed. With a playful tone, he added, “Just kidding! I am telepathic, like my father.”

He shrugged. “I’m only Alaran on the inside, I guess.”

Aza winked at me, and I gave my head a small shake.

I was fascinated by his tail, which kept drawing my gaze with its movements.

With trepidation, I doubted my ability to spar without getting hurt. There was no doubt Aza could easily kick my ass. Biting my lip, I hesitated, sizing him up.

“Where is Tulia?” Maybe we could just hang out and chat?

“I know what you’re trying to do, human ... and it will not work. We are here to spar. Not chat. Now come at me,” his kind smile told me he wasn’t really annoyed.

Feigning offense, I announced as I moved towards him. “I have a name. It’s Riley.” To catch him off guard, I swiftly delivered a sidekick. My foot connected with him harder than I intended as I struck his lower abdomen, but thankfully missed his groin.

Startled, Aza’s eyes flashed open wide as he stumbled back with the wind knocked out of him.

“I had planned to take it easy on you.” His lips quirked up in one corner. “But it seems you have some skills.”

I shrugged and gave him a cocky grin. “A few. I’m not a helpless female.”

Aza’s grin could rival that of a Cheshire cat. He appeared to be impressed. “I never said you were helpless.”

He gestured, using his fingers. “Come on. There is nothing to be afraid of... if I hurt you Captain Krin will kill me.”

I gave a sarcastic eye roll. “I doubt that.” Krin barely knows I exist.

“I’m not afraid.” And I wasn’t, not really. “I’m not used to fighting someone so much bigger than me.” Or someone with claws, my mind added.

He chuckled, standing up straight, and taking a step towards me.

This was my chance. I turned slightly and kicked out at him, expecting to make contact again. Aza caught my foot this time and pulled it toward him, causing me to fall to the floor with a thud.

“Ouch.” I crashed to the floor. “I thought you weren’t going to hurt me?”

His brows raised and his head tilted to one side. “You are still able to stand, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, but...” I rubbed my lower back.

He studied me, interrupting. “And you aren’t bleeding?”

“No, but...” Damn, his cockiness was annoying.

“You might benefit from some fighting lessons, after all.” He had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he gave me a playful smile.

In agreement with Aza, I pressed my lips into a small frown. Despite being out of practice, there was no chance I would admit I needed help.

“I’m not asking for training, just some exercise.”

Aza tilted his head from left to right before assuming a fighting position.

He went easier on me for the rest of the session, but dodged my punches like a pro. I managed to land a few hits, but I didn’t exactly show off my fighting skills.

When all was said and done, I was sore, but it was great to be active again.