Page 10 of Her Alien Owner

I turn to leave but pause at the door. "One more thing," I say over my shoulder.

"Yes?"

"Pack light," I advise with a hint of amusement. "You won't need much."

Her lips twitch into a hesitant smile as she nods again. As I step out into the dusty streets of Armstrong's old district, the feeling of relief mixes with anticipation.

The walk back to my estate gives me time to mull over this new development. Ariana is more than just a maid. Her presence stirs something in me—a curiosity, a need to understand her. It's not just the fated bond; it's the way she carries herself with quiet dignity despite her circumstances.

She's resilient, and that resilience could be an asset. Someone who’s faced adversity and survived has a strength I respect. In my world, loyalty and reliability are rare commodities, and Ariana might possess both.

When I reach my estate, the stark contrast between here and the old district strikes me anew. The sprawling mansion with its meticulously maintained grounds seems almost obscene compared to Ariana’s tiny apartment. Yet it's this very opulence that allows me to manipulate power structures and gather information.

I step inside and find my aide waiting for me in the grand foyer.

"Sir," he greets, bowing slightly.

"Any updates?" I ask, shrugging off my coat.

"None significant," he replies. "Preparations for Miss Hayes' arrival are underway."

"Good," I say, nodding. "I want everything ready by tomorrow."

He hesitates before speaking again. "If I may, sir... why this sudden interest in her?"

I arch an eyebrow at him. "Are you questioning my judgment?"

"No, sir," he says quickly. "Just... curious."

I study him for a moment before answering. "She has potential," I say simply.

He nods, accepting my explanation without further comment. He knows better than to pry too deeply into my motives.

I make my way to my private quarters, thoughts of Ariana still swirling in my mind. This decision could bring unforeseen complications but also untapped opportunities.

As I settle into my chair by the window overlooking the vast estate grounds, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Bringing Ariana into my world will change everything—for both of us.

The journey ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Ariana Hayes is now part of my life whether she realizes it or not. And I'm determined to uncover every layer of this intriguing woman who fate has inexplicably bound to me.

CHAPTER 5

ARIANA

The job offer from Valen looms over me like a shadow. The memory of his touch at the party sends a shiver down my spine, not unpleasant but certainly unsettling. There's an intensity about him, something that whispers danger even as it draws me in. The rumors I overheard about his past—the war profiteering, the mysterious investments—echo in my mind, clashing with the image of the man who steadied me when I stumbled.

I need advice. Good, honest advice. So, I head over to Kaitlyn’s place. She lives in a slightly less decrepit building nearby my home. When she opens the door, her face lights up.

“Ariana! You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Close enough,” I mutter, stepping inside.

Kaitlyn’s apartment is cozy in a way mine could never be—cluttered but clean, with the smell of something savory simmering on the stove. We're both struggling, but it's easier for her to find steady work. And it shows.

Kaitlyn was a trained chef before everything went to shit here. Her skills are in much higher demand, and it dawns on me that she might not quite understand how desperate of a situation I'm in.

“So, what’s up?” She flops onto her worn couch and gestures for me to sit.

“Valen offered me a job,” I blurt out, sitting beside her. “Full-time at his estate.”

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