Page 21

Several times, Grace’s mouth opened and closed. Although she wasn’t afraid, I could sense her tension and worry.

My heart thumped as I silently pleaded with her not to change her mind about staying on the ship. I refused to consider the possibility of her being in danger or not being with me.

I started to take another step forward.

She tapped my forearm a couple of times as she joined me walking down the corridor. Pleasant tingles danced along my skin from her touch.

“Don’t leave me hanging. Who was firing at us?”

“The Krilex.” I replied, my voice filled with what I hoped was reassurance. “Do not worry, they’re gone.”

“What do you mean don’t worry?” Grace questioned, her tone laced with skepticism.

She came to a sudden halt and blinked at me.

Regret flooded over me as I groaned at my own words. My hand went to her shoulder.

I could feel the tension in her body dissipate as soon as my hand landed on her. Even though I wasn’t touching bare skin, I still felt a surge of energy from the contact.

“Scaring you was not my intention. I promise you; they are not a danger to us. You’re under my protection.”

Grace gave me a sliver of a smile. Her gentle exhale sounded like music to me.

A silent sigh escaped me, and I instantly felt a wave of relief wash over me.

“Thanks. I trust you.” She smiled.

Her words were like a balm to my ears. Her tender gaze filled me with warmth and melted my heart.

Unbeknownst to her, my body was reacting in ways that I desperately hoped she wouldn’t notice.

I increased my speed slightly, eager to reach our destination.

Meeting my K’sha was something I never thought would happen, but here she was, walking next to me.

For too long, my focus had been solely on being an excellent warrior and helping others.

I never asked the gods for anything for myself.

My duties to the people of Alara were more important than my own personal desires or needs. My father did not apply the same philosophy to himself, however.

Meeting Grace changed my entire perspective on things. If she accepted me as her mate, I would want for nothing else in the Universe.

My imagination ran wild, envisioning myself mating with Grace.

In my mind, I could hear her voice screaming my name as I pleasured her again and again.

My cock throbbed at the thought of being inside her.

Filled with anticipation, I stared straight ahead as we walked down the corridor. Arousal coursed through me, causing my breath to quicken.

Grace’s words made me break into a silent smile. Her voice, soft and gentle, quieted the noise in my head.

“Am I the first human you’ve met?”

“I have met two others on another mission, but we barely spoke.” In truth, I knew very little about humans or their customs.

She continued with excitement clear in her voice. “I’ve always wanted to live in outer space....I still can’t believe I’m here. It’s exciting to think about everything I can learn and experience out here.”

A wave of discomfort washed over my body. I could hear the longing in her voice, as if she yearned to venture off the ship and discover other places.

“Grace, I...” I began, wanting to tell her everything. That she was my K’sha, and we belonged together.

The moment was shattered by her next question, which interrupted me.

“I know I asked a little about this earlier, but are there a lot of inhabited planets out there?” she asked.

“There are more galaxies, stars, and planets than one can even imagine. The Aras system, which is next to us has thousands of planets. Alaran space has hundreds. Many have unique blends of lifeforms and some remain uninhabited.”

“I’ve never left Earth. There is so much I don’t know about the Universe.”

I stared back at Grace to see her frowning. She shook her head as if ashamed by her admission.

The corners of my mouth lifted as I looked at her. “It may surprise you to know that I have never left this star system. There is much that I too do not know.”

Grace appeared to relax a little, her shoulders dropping as she exhaled.

“Have you met other....aliens in the past?” I asked, wanting to learn more about her. Though she was alien to me, just as I was to her.

“No. Not in person. I was aware of aliens, but never imagined they would abduct me. I definitely didn’t know there were aliens out there that looked like you .” Her eyes raked over me in approval.

She covered her mouth in embarrassment.

I laughed.

“Sorry,” Grace whispered.

My chest puffed out. “Don’t be. It’s good to know my appearance does not bother you.” I beamed.

Grace licked her lips and hesitated before admitting, “Well, I wouldn’t say it doesn’t bother me...”

As her delectable scent reached my nostrils, I couldn’t help but swallow hard. Gods what this female does to me.

It was my turn to divert the topic now. I glanced down at the attractive human who made me feel things I’d long given up hope for. Clearing my throat, I looked forward.

“I am taking you to my favorite spot on the ship,” I explained, attempting to ease the sexual tension and picking up my pace.

“Unlike a warship, the Chetok is a patrolling vessel. However, this does not mean that we are without protection; our ship possesses an arsenal of weapons that we can use if necessary.” I grinned.

“Okay. That’s good...I guess.” Grace sounded more relieved than impressed.

I pushed my shoulders back. “We prefer to engage our enemies in close combat. We often board ships that trespass into our designated territory.”

She nodded still looking unimpressed by my words.

Glancing down at her, I noticed her eyes darting back and forth as she tugged her bottom lip between her teeth.

Clearly I had no idea what I was doing when it came to wooing my mate.

We arrived at the observation lounge, with its ceiling to floor windows that offered a panoramic view of the vast expanse of space.

I gazed out the window, hearing Grace inhale a sharp intake of breath next to me.

“Oh my. It feels like I’m in a dream. I’m so excited about venturing into the galaxy. I never imagined that space could be so breathtaking,” she murmured.

Seeing the joy on her face made me feel happy. Her eyes revealed a sense of wonder and adventure.

Her barely parted lips rendered me speechless. My throat was suddenly parched.

Outside, the view was awe-inspiring, with twinkling stars forming a mesmerizing tapestry against the endless expanse.

But it was nothing compared to the beauty standing at my side.

“It is you who are breathtaking,” I said, placing a hand on her shoulder and looking down at her.

Heat radiated from her body, and I sensed I was not the only one feeling the pull between us.

Grace tilted her head to look up at me, and I noticed her cheeks still had their familiar glow, only this time the color rose from her neck all the way up into her face.

Her eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and gratitude, and I could see that she was not accustomed to hearing such words.

If I had my way, I would ensure she never wanted for anything and was treated like the treasure I saw her to be.

She made my very soul stir with happiness.