Page 3

Olivia

STEPPING INTO THE PALACE garden, I was met with unique floral scents that never failed to lift my spirits. There was a mix of sweet yet peppery fragrances. They weren’t familiar to me, so I couldn't compare them to anything on Earth.

The colors on this planet were truly exceptional. The sky also had a soft pink hue that I found fascinating. There were tiny shrubs with cute yellow-gold flowers that stuck straight up, and the garden beds had tons of plants, shrubs, and flowers of all shapes and sizes.

I didn’t stop to admire them because I knew Grace was waiting for me at one of the tables in the tent.

The same tent where King Trex was crowned and their mate bonding ceremony took place.

Trex’s transition from warrior to King left him unsettled when we first arrived on his home planet, after his father’s death.

But together, he and Grace were making the best of ruling the planet and overseeing the Protectorate Alliance Forces.

I heard my name being called by Grace, and I turned to see her waving at me. She was my sole human companion on Alara since Riley left months ago with Krin.

“You look pretty today,” she said, getting up to hug me.

Standing nearby were staff waiting to bring us our food. My butt barely hit the chair when one of the male staff members brought over a tray of cups, a pot of Tulian tea, and some Alaran foods that I already knew would be delicious.

The baby kicked, and I rubbed my belly, eyeing the delicious-looking lunch. The tray also had some yummy yudatillo cake, my favorite sweet treat.

I was tempted to start with that, but stopped myself.

“Is he kicking?” Grace asked with a huge grin.

“Yes. He’s getting more active. Since I stopped helping out in the kitchen, I spend a lot of time reading Alaran children's books to him. He seems to like it.”

Both Grace and I had received translator upgrades, that taught our brain how to read and write the Alaran language.

“It’s tough to keep myself occupied sometimes.

That’s why I like when we can have lunch together.

” Grace didn’t need to know I was having trouble coping at times.

Especially seeing how happy Grace was with Trex.

I wished things were going better for me here.

“It's great to see you finally settling in.” She said, giving her teacup handle a gentle stroke.

“I don't really have a choice.” My tone was resentful, and her expression made me feel guilty.” I added, “don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you and Trex allow me to stay here at the palace... I am going crazy thinking about life after the baby's arrival.”

She reached out and squeezed my hand. “Please don’t be concerned. I’m here for you, and you can stay as long as you want. I would miss you if you left. It sounds selfish, but it’s true,” she said, chuckling. “Have you considered your plans for after the baby arrives?”

“It would be nice to teach again someday.” I shrugged and my mouth twisted in one corner. I missed seeing my students and having a job to go to.

A staff member poured tea for each of us, and Grace thanked him and took a sip before picking up a sandwich. “I am sure you will get to teach again. When you’re ready.” She took a bite of her sandwich while I watched.

The sleeveless dress she was wearing highlighted her curvy figure, and my eyes widened when I noticed the beautifully detailed, colorful patterns on her wrists.

“Grace! Are those what I think?”

She placed the rest of her sandwich on the plate and extended her arms to show me the colorful marks in red, blue, and gold.

“They are the same mating marks as Trex has on his chest...I expected them when we first bonded. Rekna believes that their sudden appearance is due to me carrying a half-Alaran child,” she said, beaming.

Delighted, I let out a high-pitched squeal. “Oh, Grace that’s fantastic! You both must be so happy. Wow...how far along are you?”

The sheer delight I felt for her had me squirming with excitement in my seat.

“We are. We both can't wait to be parents. It seems I am about three months pregnant...I didn’t want to say until I knew for sure.” Her skin was glowing, and I shook my head surprised that I hadn’t clued in sooner.

I pointed to her wrists. “When did they appear?” I hadn’t seen them, or maybe I just never noticed? Then I recalled how she had been wearing long-sleeved, summery dresses a lot. It was clear she'd kept them concealed until now.

“When we bonded, I had hoped they would appear, but Trex said not to get my hopes up because I am human and they might not. Then, about a month after I conceived, they began to show.”

“Wow. That’s amazing. Our children will be close in age. If I am still living here after he or she is born maybe they can play together and will one day become friends?”

It was painful knowing I would never have an Alaran/human child. I wasn’t good at romantic relationships and I’d only ever had one boyfriend. When Roger broke up with me, I wasn’t surprised, but I was hurt. He had never been attentive, and never made me feel like I mattered to him.

When I saw the way Trex was with Grace, I knew I deserved better. Part of me worried that I’d never find someone who would love me. However, I had come to terms with being alone, particularly with the added responsibility of a child.

I released a long breath, wishing I could quit fantasizing about having an adoring alien mate like Grace.

It hurt to know that the only person I would consider a relationship with, didn’t want me.

Joining a human colony seemed like the only way forward for me.

Grace gaped at me. “Are you really thinking of leaving, then? Once you’ve given birth, I mean.

... I didn't think you were serious about it.” Her mouth sunk into a sad smile.

Nodding, I chewed my bottom lip, holding back tears to avoid spoiling our lunch.

My hormones were making me way too emotional these days.

When I could speak without crying, I said.

“In all honesty, a human colony would be a more logical choice. Plus, I can’t expect to stay here for free forever.

” My gaze fixed on my teacup as I continued. “It’s not just about me now.”

I glanced at Grace. “Baby deserves the best shot at a good life.”

I wasn’t being completely honest with myself or Grace, but things weren’t looking up for me here. I craved a life beyond what I had and I craved a mate of my own. It was painful to see Orin, wanting him and knowing there was no chance to be with him.

I didn't think he knew I was pregnant on the ship, but now that I was showing, he would know. Being pregnant ensured he would not want to be with me.

My friend went silent, and took a sip of her tea. Then she reached over and squeezed my hand, as she was so fond of doing when she wanted to comfort me. Grace was like an older sister to me and we'd become fast friends.

“Take your time. Don't rush into this important decision.”

Nodding in agreement, I glanced down at the food in front of me. I picked up one of my sandwiches, studying its contents.

“A relationship with Orin might make me stay. But he always runs in the other direction whenever we see one another. It’s clear he doesn't want to be with me.” My lips curved into a frown. “I suppose it makes sense. What guy wants to help raise another man's child?”

Grace tilted her head, giving me a sympathetic look. “Orin will come around. Give it time.”

With my hormones running wild, my voice rose when I snapped in frustration. “Time! He’s had months already! We met four months ago on that ship, Grace.” I scoffed, feeling my anger rise, making my chest tight.

A lump lodged in my throat and I forced it down. My next statement was fueled by hurt. “I’m tired of sitting around, waiting for something to happen with him. Maybe it's time to set my sights on other males? There are plenty of them available.”

She closed her lips and gave me a skeptical look. “You know you don’t mean that. Besides, Orin could be your fated mate.”

A rueful snort escaped me. When an Alaran male met his K’sha, or fated mate, he knew it. Trex proved that when he met Grace. There was no way I could be Orin’s fated mate. He’d know if I was. He would’ve said something.

“When did you last lay eyes on him?” Grace asked.

My shoulders tightened. “While coming here, he turned and walked away. He’s barely said a word to me in months.” My lips drooped. “Even on the ship when we spoke before, it was only to relay instructions to me. We’ve discussed nothing personal.”

I stroked the side of my teacup. “Today was the first time I’ve spotted him at the palace in weeks.”

In the halls, he couldn't seem to get away from me fast enough. I had no idea why he disliked me so much. I'd done nothing to make him feel that way. At least I didn’t think I did.

My thoughts made tears well up.

Grace gave me a thin smile, as if she understood my situation.

She didn’t. Trex made it clear right away that she was his fated mate, and he did everything he could to win her love. For them, it was love at first sight.

But I understood she was trying to be supportive, so I said nothing.

“He’s rarely been here. Trex has him assigned to the city guard.” She said, as if that altered anything. My heart sank at her words. It just proved he didn’t want to be around me. I frowned, but Grace continued to elaborate.

“Trex says things are still tense in the city. There are problems cropping up with some of the citizens and the guards. Trouble is brewing due to rumors of more shapeshifters on the planet.”

An icy chill ran through me. “Have they discovered more shapeshifters?”

Upon our arrival on Alara, Grace had a firsthand encounter with one. Playing the role of a royal medic, he went to the extent of killing Trex’s father, then abducting her.

Luckily, she didn’t get injured, but it frightened me enough to avoid leaving the palace alone.