Page 29 of Her Alien Owner

Tragan's eyebrows lift a fraction. "Now, sir? It's nearly midnight."

"I want them on duty immediately. Full perimeter sweep, hourly check-ins."

To his credit, Tragan doesn't flinch. "Understood, sir. I'll inform the security chief right away."

As he turns to leave, I add, "And Tragan? Double the patrols around Ariana's quarters."

He pauses, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. "Consider it done."

I watch him disappear into the shadows of the estate, then continue my path to the main house. My fists clench and unclench at my sides, the only outward sign of the rage boiling beneath my skin.

That bastard Kevin. His words echo in my mind, each one stoking the fire of my anger. How dare he speak about Ariana like that? As if she were some possession to be claimed, a prize to be won.

I enter my study, the door closing behind me with a soft click. The room is dark, save for the pale moonlight filtering through the windows. It matches my mood perfectly.

"Lights, thirty percent," I command, and the room brightens just enough to navigate without stumbling.

I pour myself a glass of Kilgarian whiskey, the amber liquid glowing faintly in the dim light. The first sip burns down my throat, a welcome distraction from the turmoil in my mind.

Ariana. My fated mate. The thought still sends a jolt through me, equal parts exhilaration and terror. She has no idea of the bond between us, of the primal need I feel to protect her. Andhow could I tell her? How could I explain that the universe itself has decided we belong together?

That's she is destined to be bonded with someone like me.

I down the rest of the whiskey in one gulp, welcoming the burn. No, I can't tell her. Not yet. Not while threats like Kevin still lurk in the shadows. Not while my own past casts such a long, dark shadow.

For now, I'll protect her from afar. I'll be the silent guardian she never asked for but desperately needs. And maybe, just maybe, I'll find a way to be worthy of her.

I stride into the ballroom, my eyes scanning the space until they land on Ariana. She's balancing precariously on a ladder, hanging decorations for tonight's party. My chest tightens at the sight of her, a mixture of concern and something deeper I'm not ready to name.

"Careful up there," I call out, my voice echoing in the vast room.

Ariana startles, nearly losing her footing. I move swiftly, positioning myself beneath her in case she falls.

"Valen!" she exclaims, steadying herself. "You startled me."

"Sorry about that," I say, not sorry at all. "How about you come down from there before you break your neck?"

She descends the ladder with grace, despite her earlier wobble. As she reaches the bottom, I notice the tension in her shoulders, the way her eyes dart around the room.

"Everything alright?" I ask, trying to keep my tone casual.

Ariana bites her lip, a gesture I've come to recognize as a sign of her unease. "It's just... there seems to be a lot more security than usual. Is something wrong?"

Damn. She's observant. I force a smile, hoping it looks more reassuring than it feels. "Nothing to worry about. Just some high-profile guests attending tonight."

Her eyes narrow slightly. "High-profile guests? Like who?"

"You know I can't divulge that information, Ariana," I say, my tone light but firm. "Client confidentiality and all that."

She nods, but I can see the doubt lingering in her eyes. "Of course. It's just... it seems like a lot, even for VIPs."

I shrug, aiming for nonchalance. "Better safe than sorry, right? Now, how are the preparations coming along?"

Ariana launches into a detailed explanation of her progress, but I can tell her heart isn't in it. Her eyes keep darting to the security personnel stationed at every entrance.

"Ariana," I say, cutting her off mid-sentence. "You're safe here. You know that, right?"

She meets my gaze, and for a moment, I see a flicker of something in her eyes - trust, maybe? Or the desire to trust?

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