Page 32 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

“Of course, Your Highness,” Garek replied, a hint of his earlier humor returning. “Shall I prepare the Royal Butt-Kicking Squadron?”

Despite the gravity of the situation, Vexor fought the smile. “You’ve been spending too much time studying Earth vernacular, old friend.”

As the transmission ended, Vexor turned back to the star-filled view. Whatever his personal feelings, he had a duty to protect both his people and the Earth delegation. As he began formulating plans, a small part of him couldn’t help but wonder: would this threat bring Raelee to Tharvis, or push her further away?

The uncertainty was maddening. It was like trying to predict the outcome of a Tharvisian quantum dice roll while blindfolded and standing on your head. And yet, the thought of seeing Raelee again, of explaining everything, of having a chance at a real relationship... it filled him with a hope so bright, it could have outshone the stars themselves.

As the celestial bodies continued their silent vigil outside, Vexor steeled himself for the challenges ahead. Whatever happened, he would face it head-on, as both a prince of Tharvis and a man in love. And if the rebels thought they could stand in the way of his happiness or his planet’s future, well... they were about to learn why Vexor was considered the most formidable warrior in the galaxy.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Vexor strode out of the observation chamber. He had a wedding to prepare for, a planet to protect, and a heart to win. It was going to be one hell of a week.

TWELVE

The familiar silhouette of the Arison Family Estate loomed before Raelee as her car wound up the long, tree-lined driveway. After days on the run, the sight of home brought a mix of relief and apprehension. Her brief taste of freedom had changed her, but the world she was returning to remained the same.

Raelee’s hands tightened on the steering wheel, her knuckles white against the leather. Her time with Vex—their whirlwind adventure, the connection they’d forged—felt like a dream now. But it had awakened something in her, a fierce determination that burned brighter than ever.

As she pulled up to the house, Raelee caught sight of her reflection in the rearview mirror. The woman staring back at her looked different somehow—older, more resolute. A few strands of dark hair framed a face that seemed to have gained years of wisdom in just a few days.

“Show time, Arison,” she muttered, climbing out of the car. The gravel crunched under her feet, each step bringing her closer to a confrontation she both dreaded and craved.

The house was quiet as Raelee entered, her footsteps echoing in the grand foyer. For a moment, she stood still, listening. Thesilence felt heavy, pregnant with the weight of unspoken words and looming confrontations. The tick of the antique grandfather clock in the corner seemed unnaturally loud, counting down the seconds until her world changed again.

A muffled voice drifted from the direction of the library, followed by a soft laugh. Raelee’s heart lightened a fraction. Her sisters were home.

She found them gathered in the cozy library, a stark contrast to the formal opulence of the rest of the house. Zora was pacing by the windows, her auburn hair gleaming in the afternoon light. Mila sat perched on the arm of a leather chair, her fingers tapping out a restless rhythm on a tablet. Venus was rifling through a book with photos of modern-day architecture, her brow furrowed in concentration.

“Well, well, well,” drawled, looking up as Raelee entered. “If it isn’t our very own runaway bride. How was your little ‘vacation’? Did you bring us back any souvenirs? Perhaps a ‘My Sister Ran Away From An Alien Marriage and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt’?”

“Rae!” Zora exclaimed, rushing over to envelop her in a hug that smelled of lavender and soil. “Thank god you’re back safely. We were starting to worry you’d been abducted by actual aliens.”

Mila, twin to Venus, joined them, her usual stoic demeanor cracking as she squeezed Raelee’s hand. “Yeah, another day and we might have had to send out a search party. Or you know, actually tell Mom and Dad that their eldest daughter decided to go AWOL.”

Raelee felt a lump form in her throat. No matter what happened, she’d always have her sisters. “Sorry for the radio silence. Things got a bit... complicated.”

“Complicated?” Venus raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow. “Do tell. Did you perhaps run into any handsome strangers while you were out there living your rom-com fantasy? Perhapsa rugged diner owner with a heart of gold? Or a mysterious biker with a troubled past?”

Raelee felt heat rise to her cheeks, and her sisters’ eyes widened in unison.

“Oh my god,” Zora gasped, her green eyes sparkling. “You did! I want every juicy detail.”

“I... may have met someone,” Raelee admitted, sinking onto the plush window seat. Her sisters crowded around her, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Details,” Mila demanded, setting aside her tablet. “Name, occupation, level of hotness on a scale of one to ‘makes you want to cancel an intergalactic arranged marriage.’”

Raelee laughed, the tension in her shoulders easing for the first time in days. “His name is Vex. He’s... I don’t know, maybe military? And as for hotness...” She paused, thinking of Vex’s intense gaze, his strong hands, the way he’d looked at her like she was the only person in the world. “Definitely off the charts hot.”

Her sisters exchanged knowing glances.

“So,” Venus said slowly, a smirk playing at her lips, “I’m guessing you’re not exactly thrilled about this whole alien marriage thing anymore?”

Raelee shook her head, her heart clenching at the thought. “I can’t go through with it. Not now. I know it sounds crazy, but what I felt with Vex... it was real. I can’t just throw that away for some political alliance.”

“It’s not crazy,” Zora said softly, taking Raelee’s hand. “You deserve to be happy, Rae. Even if that happiness comes in the form of a mysterious hottie you met on your great escape.”

“But how are we going to get you out of this?” Mila asked, ever the pragmatist. “Dad’s not exactly going to be thrilled about you bailing on an interplanetary treaty for a guy you just met. I can hear him now: ‘Raelee, sweetheart, I know you think you’rein love, but have you considered the geopolitical implications of your hormones?’”

The impression was so spot-on that the sisters burst into laughter.

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