Page 49 of Revealed

In an instant, his expression hardened, a mix of shock and something that looked dangerously close to betrayal darkening his features.

Then he charged at me.

Chapter

Thirty-Six

Allie

Igaped at the two Drexians, unable to speak, unable to say anything that might defuse the situation. What could I say? That I had hooked up with Maxxon on Earth before I’d even heard of Varek, so it didn’t count as being unfaithful? That didn’t account for the fact that I’d just gotten my brains fucked out by Maxxon in the supply closet of the transport ship.

But was it really cheating when I barely knew my fiancé? From the expression on his face, I was guessing he’d say yes.

Maxxon looked as stunned as I was, and I cringed at the fact that he’d been undressing as he’d walked into the bedroom. So much for being able to have a civilized conversation.

Before Maxxon could open his mouth and offer any explanation, Varek charged at him.

I screamed as Maxxon dodged the attack with surprising agility.

Varek swung around, panting. "How long have you been seducing my mate?"

"It isn't what you think," Maxxon yelled.

Wasn’t that what every cheater claimed? It isn’t what you think? The words clearly didn’t convince Varek, who clenched his fists by his side as he crouched into what I could only assume was a battle stance.

"I never thought you would betray me like this," Varek growled.

Maxxon's voice was firm but pained. "I never would, Varek. You have to believe me."

As I watched the two Drexians circle each other, tension radiating from their bodies, I realized that this could escalate into something far worse. These were trained warriors, capable of inflicting serious harm—and in their current state, they might just kill each other.

This was my fault. My actions, my decisions had led to this moment. I had to do something to stop it before it was too late.

Taking a deep breath, I jumped from the bed, rushing between Maxxon and Varek, my arms outstretched to keep them apart. "Stop!" I cried, my voice stronger than I felt. "Please, both of you, just stop!"

Varek's eyes went straight to my sheer nightgown. “You were waiting for him, weren’t you? Not for me.”

I swallowed hard, knowing that only the absolute truth would suffice now. "I was waiting for Maxxon," I admitted, my voice soft but steady. "But you need to understand that this isn't what you think. I came to this station looking for him. We met on Earth during the invasion. We got together there, but thenMaxxon had to leave. I only became a tribute bride to find him. I know now that it was a stupid plan, but I never meant to drag anyone else into this or to hurt you.”

Varek sucked in heavy breaths as he stared at me, then he swung his gaze to Maxxon. “Is this true?”

Maxxon’s body relaxed slightly. “It is, but she isn’t telling you that I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. I was an idiot for leaving Earth and leaving her. I went back to the planet to find her and tell her, but she’d already come here.”

Varek straightened. “All this happened before me?”

I stepped toward him, my hand reaching out but stopping short of touching him. "I promise you, Varek, it did. I had already fallen for Maxxon before I ever met you. If I hadn’t…” I paused, choosing my words carefully. "If I hadn't met Maxxon first, I would have been honored to be your mate."

Behind me, Maxxon cleared his throat loudly. I bit back a smile, realizing how that must have sounded to him. Varek, to my surprise, let out a short bark of laughter.

Then he turned to his friend. “Why didn’t you tell me? You knew I’d been matched with her.”

Maxxon dropped his gaze to the floor. “I should have, but I didn’t know that Allie had come to the station looking for me. I convinced myself that I was the only one who had such strong feelings. I believed she’d come to be matched to a Drexian, and that Drexian happened to be you. I didn’t think I had any right to stand in her way.” He lifted his eyes and held Varek’s gaze. “But I couldn't bear to watch her with someone else, even if that someone was my best friend. I ’d decided to leave the station, and I was stealing a ship when Allie found me."

I breathed a small sigh of relief that Maxxon didn’t detail that he’d actually found me trying to run away from a match with Varek or what had happened after that.

Varek rolled his head to the ceiling and blew out a breath, finally locking eyes with Maxxon’s. “Okay, I won't kill you—this time."

The relief that washed over me was so intense I felt lightheaded, as I watched as the two Drexians relax their battle stances. When Varek thumped Maxxon on the shoulder, he flicked a quick glance at me. “I will not embrace you since your mate would most decidedly not like it, but I wish you nothing but happiness.”

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