Page 26

Olivia

WAKING SNUGGLED UP against Orin, enjoying the feeling of being wrapped in his muscular arms, was the best feeling in the world.

This morning, like every other morning, Orin’s hands caressed my pregnant belly, his touch sending a shiver of delight through me. He kissed the top of my head, before planting soft kisses against my cheek. His arousal was evident as he pressed himself against me.

I smiled to myself and rolled over to look at him. “Hi,” I croaked, giving him a quick kiss.

Orin responded by holding my head with one hand and swooping in for a long, tender kiss before pulling back and smiling at me.

Despite frequently waking during the night due to my pregnancy, and needing to use the bathroom, waking up next to him every morning was the highlight of my day.

Orin quickly became familiar with my body and understanding my needs, which was amazing.

He always made me feel beautiful, even when I felt the farthest thing from it.

Exploring each other’s preferences in bed had been an incredible journey, and I’d relished every moment of teaching him what I liked and learning about his desires, too.

I took in his delicious spicy scent and his mussed-up hair and couldn’t help but grin like a lovesick fool. “How can you always look this handsome?” I teased, stroking his face then dropping my hand to his chest.

His sexy dimples appeared as he grinned back at me. “How do you always look this stunning?” he said, running his hand down my hair.

Just as he leaned in for another kiss, the palace alarm rang out, shattering the tranquility of our morning, replacing it with a sense of unease.

Orin cursed, muttering a sharp, ‘ Flutz! ’ before throwing back the bedding.

My heart was racing with anxiety and I pushed myself to sit up. “What’s going on?” I shouted, worried as he leaped from the bed and yanked on his uniform pants.

My hand went to my chest. Despite knowing this might happen, my anxiety had been at a minimum for months, and I didn’t plan on welcoming it back now.

Orin observed my panic-stricken face, his voice remaining steady and composed. “Give me a moment. I’ll check in.”

I waited as he communicated with the palace guard. Then joined him at his side, looking up at him as my hands twisted in front of me.

His face displayed genuine concern, and I could feel his worry.

Memories of my experiences with the Krilex and the Zinids, made me shudder. My mind was racing, and I quickly got dressed while I waited, in an attempt to keep myself calm.

Orin gave me a quick peck on the lips, then ran a hand through his hair while looking back at me. “The Krilex have attacked a village outside one of the mines. King Trex needs me to accompany him to the site.”

I trailed behind him like a lost puppy while he finished dressing and left the bedroom.

When Orin turned to see me watching him, he frowned at my expression.

Grabbing my face in his hands, he gave me a soft kiss. “I’ll come back as soon as I can manage. Stay here and don’t leave the suite. Keep the door locked.”

I tugged on his arm. “Please be careful?” I pleaded, holding back tears.

Orin’s hands went to my shoulders, and he looked me in the eye. “I always am. Don’t worry.”

Standing watching him go, I hugged myself and tugged at my bottom lip with my teeth.

The concept of normalcy on this planet eluded me.

When Orin moved in with me, I thought our life together would be blissful. I’d been deluding myself. Until now, I felt ignorance was bliss and was so done with succumbing to fear every time something bad happened. I just wanted to live my life with the guy...alien, I loved.

The alarm stopped, and the palace was quiet.

The last thing I needed was to devolve into a terrified mess like I was when I was first abducted. If it weren’t for Grace’s kindness and patience with me, I doubt I would be as okay as I am now. I pinched my eyes closed unable to shake the feeling winding its way through me.

What if the Krilex decided to attack the city? I rubbed my forehead with trembling hands.

I needed to talk to Grace and find out what’s going on. I wouldn’t go against Orin’s advice and leave the apartment, but I couldn’t just stand here and wait for news, either.

After much pacing, I gave in and swiped the panel by the door. When it glided open, a palace guard stood smirking at me. I grimaced at the guard, knowing it was likely Orin told him to expect me to try to leave. But I couldn’t help myself. I would only worry if I was alone.

“Miss Olivia, it is advisable for you to remain in your suite.”

“Why? Are the Krilex in the city? Am I in danger?” I gulped.

“It is only a precaution. We want to make sure you are safe.” He gave me a polite nod.

I moved my head back and forth. “Can I please talk to Queen Grace?”

She would know more about what was going on and besides, I didn’t want to be alone right now. I’m sure she didn’t want to be either.

After nodding in acknowledgement, I waited for him to reach out to someone. When he was finished, he spoke. “Queen Grace is being escorted to you right now. Please step back into your suite. I will let them in when they arrive.”

I sighed and wrapped my arms around myself, then stepped back into my apartment without a word. Still shaking, I tried to tune into Orin to sense if he was okay. The only response was more stress.

Frowning, I took a seat, tapping my fingers on the table.

Grace arrived, and I could see lines of worry on her face, which didn’t make me feel any better. I hurried to her, and we both walked into the food prep area to make some tea. It was an automatic response for both of us.

“Do you know what’s going on?” I asked.

Grace reached into the cupboard, pulling down two cups while I prepared the tea.

This was the only way I could think of to stay calm for the baby’s sake. My tummy was in knots, but the tea usually did the trick to help calm it.

Grace’s lips down-turned. “Trex heard a call came from the Fruner mining village reporting that the mining supervisors had been taken hostage by the Krilex.”

Hostages? “Wait, all the mines here are controlled by AI, aren’t they? The Krilex would have to bypass the advanced technology to gain access to the mine’s materials.” This much I knew from reading about the planet when I first arrived.

The corner of Grace’s mouth twisted. “Yes, every single one of them is automated. But there are at least a dozen males at each mining sight who oversee the operation of it. This particular mine is for cerium, and lanthanum, which is pretty valuable, apparently.”

A sigh escaped from me. “And our mates have gone to stop the Krilex from stealing these minerals?”

She nodded her head. “Yes. And to free the hostages. I’m unsure of the number, but there are other warriors accompanying them.

“Do you know how many Krilex are at the mine?” I wasn’t sure I wanted to know, but I couldn’t help asking.

“Trex only mentioned that he’s assembling a group of warriors to confront them. I told him as King, he shouldn’t go, but he said that is the reason he should.” She threw her arms in the air, looking just as upset as me.

Trembling, I held my tea cup and prayed for Orin’s safe return.