Page 18 of Oh No, I Stole An Alien Furball And Kissed A Beastmaster

Oh jeez, always literal with these guys. At least there is no mistaking his intentions. All of us women have been warned that the aliens are quick to make a move. Once they know, they know. Apparently, I’m it for Taruk.

I throw myself into the hug, burying my tear-stained—and hopefully not snot-stained—face against his pecs.

“Yes!” I wail, and then laugh as I cling to him all the more. “Yes, I want to be with you, Taruk. Yes, I’ll be your mate.”

Before Taruk can reply, the door behind us swings open, casting us in a light.

“Zo—oh, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Elana states, eyes wide. She watches me scramble to my feet, a rather concerned expression on her face. She turns angry eyes to Taruk. My mate. I can call him that now.

“No, not interrupting. Everything’s fine!” I squeak. I grin, probably just adding to her confusion—I’m a crying mess with a fanatical smile on my face right now.

“I was going to ask if you wanted to join me and Sutek in our hunt,” Elana tells me slowly. “Everyone else has teamed up already.”

Behind Elana, Sutek looms in the doorway. Always her protector. He casts a quizzical eye over us, but doesn’t comment.

“My mate will hunt with me,” Taruk tells Elana firmly. I gaze up at him as he comes to stand close beside me. I can feel the heat radiating off of him. An incredibly rare feat happens—Taruk smiles. He’s devilishly handsome, scars and all. I may or may not be swooning right about now.

Elana squeals, throwing herself at me. I’m wrapped up in a vice, barely able to breathe as she hugs me tight. “Congratulations, sis! Oh, I’m so happy for you!”

Sutek claps Taruk on the arm, giving the most awkward congratulations ever. The two men both look like they want to hug, but neither are ready to cross that physical boundary yet. No doubt they’ll claim something like “warriors don’t hug or show emotions” or something silly like that. As if that makes you weak. Males.

“You two go ahead,” I tell Elana, wiping off my cheeks. “Taruk and I’ll catch up soon.”

Elana waggles her eyebrows at me. “Hopefully not too soon, huh, girl?”

I blush at her very poorly concealed innuendo. I mean, did she even try to be subtle? Still, I’m grateful when she grabs hold of Sutek and drags him after her, leaving my mate and me alone.

Taruk’s hand hesitantly touches my shoulder.

I turn and wrap my arms around his waist, squeezing him tight. I wanted nothing more than someone to love, and to love me in return. I’ve finally got it, but still everything threatens to fall down around me if I don’t act soon.

“You can remain here if you wish, Zoe. You do not need to do anything more if you are not up to it,” he says softly, stroking my hair.

I shake my head and look up at him.

“I want to help. I want to fix my mistakes,” I tell him, gathering my courage again. I feel remarkably refreshed, like I am ready to brave the alien world again. I’m a bit battered and bruised, but I’m able to stand up again thanks to Taruk. I would have eventually found the strength on my own, but there’s no shame in asking for help when you need it. And I needed it.

“Just give me a moment,” I say, gathering strength from his arms. As I hug him, I gaze out at our surroundings. It’s actually a really nice place, if not needing a bit of cleaning. The tropical plants and vines everywhere, along with the gentle gurgling of flowing water. It’s like Taruk’s taken me to some exotic location just to propose to me—you know, like a whole different planet. It’s even quiet and peaceful, without guests or those blasted Yum-Yums running amok…

No Yum-Yums.

“Hey Taruk?”

His arms hold me firm, not wanting to release me. “I will hold you as long as needed, and then more because I want you,” Taruk rumbles in his growly voice.

“I like this too,” I tell him. “But question: did any guests complain about Yum-Yums in bathrooms?”

“I do not think so. Why does that matter?” Taruk asks.

“Because,” I tell him with a vicious, triumphant grin, “I have a theory. And if I am correct, because I always am, I know how to defeat the Yum-Yums.”

Chapter

Twelve

ZOE

“I’d like to take this opportunity to officially welcome you to The Alien Hotel,” I announce. Professionalism is all about maintaining that clipped and distant vibe, hiding the fact you’re dead inside at all times. It’s pretty hard to emulate when you are so excited. I’ve got to keep myself in check though; we do have an image to maintain—one where we aren’t crazy running around like headless chickens, screaming and laughing, or apparently shooting ships out of the sky. “And of course, welcome to our very first official event!”

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