Page 32 of Quick on the Claw

“No way. It was perfect. But I have a question.”

“Yes, my beauty.”

“Why do my hips burn?”

“We are mated, love. You wear my royal panther mark, my queen.”

She grinned. Those words sounded so wonderful coming out his mouth.

FOURTEEN

Tiffany’s shoulders ached as she stepped out of the classroom, her mind buzzing with the day’s lessons. The school gardens beckoned, promising a moment of peace. She meandered along the winding path, alien foliage brushing against her legs.

The vibrant purples and blues of the Nova Auroran plants still took her breath away, even after a week of living on this extraordinary planet. She trailed her fingers along a leaf that seemed to pulse with an inner light, marveling at how something so alien could feel so much like home.

A gentle breeze carried the sweet, unfamiliar scent of alien blossoms, and Tiffany closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. As she did, an image of Zak flooded her mind - his strong, chiseled features softened by the tender look he reserved only for her. A warmth bloomed in her chest, spreading through her body like wildfire.

“I’m in love with him,” she whispered to herself. There was no more questioning it. No more being unsure. “Completely, crazy in love.”

She opened her eyes, gazing out at the otherworldly landscape before her. The thought of returning to Earth, of leaving all this behind - leaving Zak behind - made her heart constrict painfully. No, she couldn’t go back. This was where she belonged now. With Zak.

Tiffany’s mind raced with visions of the future. She saw herself standing beside Zak, working together to lead the Larkana Kingdom into a new era. She imagined their children, a perfect blend of both worlds, running through these very gardens, their laughter echoing among the alien flora.

“I want to be his queen,” she murmured, the words feeling right on her tongue. “I want to build a life here with him.”

The certainty of her decision filled her with a sense of peace and purpose. Whatever challenges lay ahead - adapting to a new culture, facing opposition from those who might not accept an Earthling queen, learning to rule a kingdom - she would face them head-on.

Tiffany took another deep breath, squaring her shoulders. She was ready for this new chapter in her life, ready to embrace her role as Zak’s partner in all things. As she turned to head back to the school, eager to finish her lessons so she could share her epiphany with Zak, a twig snapped behind her.

She whirled around, her heart leaping into her throat as she came face to face with a stranger, his eyes cold and predatory. In that moment, all thoughts of love and future plans vanished, replaced by a primal fear as she realized the danger she was in.

“Who are you?” Tiffany demanded, her voice steadier than she felt. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

The man’s lips curled into a sneer. “You don’t belong here either, Earthling.”

He lunged forward with frightening speed. Tiffany’s self-defense training kicked in, and she blocked his first strike, the impact jarring her arm. She countered with a punch to his solar plexus, but he barely flinched.

Panic surged through her as she realized how outmatched she was. The man was faster, stronger, and clearly trained for combat. Still, Tiffany fought with everything she had.

She ducked under another swing, her legs trembling with adrenaline. “Help!” she screamed, praying someone would hear. “Somebody help me!”

The man growled, grabbing her arm and twisting it painfully behind her back. Tiffany cried out, tears stinging her eyes. She stomped on his foot and kicked back.

He cursed, his grip loosening just enough for Tiffany to wrench free. She sprinted down the path, lungs burning, the sound of his footsteps right behind her.

Suddenly, her foot caught on a root. Tiffany crashed to the ground, pain exploding in her ankle. She rolled onto her back, raising her arms in a futile attempt to protect herself as her attacker loomed over her.

“This is your last day on Nova Aurora,” he snarled, raising his fist.

The blow never came. A chorus of young voices rang out, startling the man. Tiffany’s vision swam as she saw a group of her students running toward them, shouting and waving their arms.

The man hesitated, looking from Tiffany to the approaching students. With a final, venomous glare, he turned and fled into the dense foliage.

Tiffany collapsed back onto the ground, her whole body shaking. Blood trickled from a cut on her forehead, and every breath sent shards of pain through her ribs.

“Miss Whitlock!” Hara cried, skidding to a stop beside her. The young alien’s extra set of eyes were wide with horror. “Oh no, you’re hurt!”

“I’m okay,” Tiffany gasped, though she felt anything but. “You all came just in time.”

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