Page 33 of The Alien's Stolen Rebel

My cheeks burned, and I looked down to see that, yes, somewhere in the fighting someone had ripped my wedding dress from its hem nearly to my hip, exposing a lot more leg than I was used to.

“That was an accident, asshole,” I said. Kreel just laughed.

“No doubt, but you make the look work.”

“Shut up.”

Kreel started to reply but fell silent when I raised a hand to shush him. “No, I mean it. You need to conserve your strength, and I need to pay attention if I’m going to get you out of here and back to the medbay in time to save your life. Don’t waste your strength telling me how pretty I am.”

Not even if I enjoy hearing it way too much,I added silently. Kreel really didn’t need the encouragement. I wasn’t vain, and usually being stared at would mortify me. Kreel’s gaze was different. Under his eyes, I felt safe. Protected. And most of all, desired.

That such a magnificent man wanted me, needed me, was an overwhelming feeling. Difficult to believe, though I had no doubts of Kreel’s sincerity. How could I? He’d stormed back in here to save me when he could have flown away in theStarshadow, the prize he’d wanted. Fought a monster three times his size for me, and taken serious injuries, ones that might yet be fatal.

He looked around the room, at the arguing gang bosses and at his impromptu crew. Against any one gang, we held an advantage. If they found common cause, things would get uncomfortable.

But Kreel smiled as he turned back to me, looking up from where he sat. “It looks like they will need some time to reach a consensus. I believe I have a better use for our time.”

I glared at him, half-serious. “That’s why I should join the discussion, and why you shouldsit stilland save your energy.”

“No.” Kreel’s flat refusal infuriated me. “You haven’t heard my idea yet, and I think you’ll like it.”

If his big idea isfucking, I’ll punch him in the nose.The thought flustered me thoroughly, but I had no intention of giving any of these people a show. No way.

But I underestimated him. His smile widened, and he spoke the words that left me speechless and gasping.

“Rachel Adelaide Day, will you marry me?”

20

KREEL

It was a question I only intended to ask once in my life, and I wanted the moment to be perfect. Many would say I failed—that surrounded by enemies dead and living, while bleeding from a dozen wounds and under the eye of warlords who wanted her for themselves was theoppositeof good timing.

Before, I’d have agreed. In that moment, seeing tears well in my beloved’s eyes, I knew I had chosen well.

Wiping her eyes with one hand, she thumped my shoulder with the other. “You asshole, you’re asking menow?”

“I might not have another chance.” I gestured around us. “Besides, Frax supplied everything needed for a wedding. It would be a pity not to steal it.”

Rachel couldn’t contain an undignified snort at that and threw her arms around my neck. “Yes, okay, fine, Ican’t argue with that. Of course I’ll marry you! As soon as you get the medical attention you need.”

I squeezed back, careful not to crush her, and stood up slowly. “No, right now. We have witnesses gathered. You’re dressed for the occasion. And I will not spend another heartbeat unmarried to you.”

My mate’s beautiful blush spread across her cheeks, and she nodded quickly, biting her lip. I wanted to take her on the spot, but that would delay the ceremony. And, though I would admit it to no one else, it might kill me. The wounds Frax had delivered were no joke.

“You,” I said, pointing at Frax’s wedding planner. “Whatever your name is, get the ceremony set.”

She blinked, looked down at her tablet, scrolled frantically, and swallowed. “Uh, I’m Ellara Vri, sir. And you’ll need a few more participants? A best man. A maid of honor…”

“Those will do. We don’tneedthe entire wedding party, just those and someone to officiate,” Rachel said, looking around at the warriors. I followed her gaze and realized that the gang lords had fallen silent. Instead of bickering, they watched us intently.

I’d rather the ceremony was done perfectly, but I saw my mate’s point. The longer this took, the more chance someone would reignite the fighting.

“You.” I pointed at Arzak, the pirate I’d gotten on best with. “You will be my best man.”

Arzak’s smile was too big for his face as he straightened up. “Oh wow, that’s amazing news. Just one question: what’s a best man?”

“I have no idea,” I replied honestly, grinning back. “Stand where Ellara tells you to, do what she says, and enjoy yourself.”

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