Page 34 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

As the sisters dissolved into another round of giggles, the library door swung open, revealing Jack and Melanie Arison. Jack’s eyebrows shot up at the sight of Raelee, while Melanie’s face softened with relief.

“Raelee,” Melanie breathed, rushing forward to embrace her daughter. “Thank God you’re safe.”

Jack remained in the doorway, his expression unreadable. “I trust you’ve had time to reconsider your... rash actions.”

Raelee extricated herself from her mother’s arms, squaring her shoulders. “I have, Dad. But probably not in the way you’re hoping.”

She could feel her sisters forming a supportive wall behind her as she faced her parents. The moment of truth had arrived.

“I’m going to Tharvis,” Raelee stated, her voice clear and unwavering. “Not as a bride, but as an ambassador. I intend to negotiate terms that will benefit Earth without sacrificing my autonomy.”

Jack’s face darkened. “Absolutely not. The alliance?—“

“Can still happen,” Raelee interrupted. “But on terms that respect both parties. I won’t be a pawn in this game, Dad. I can’t.”

“This isn’t a game, Raelee,” Jack snapped. “This is the future of our planet we’re talking about.”

“I know that,” Raelee shot back. “But forcing me into a loveless marriage isn’t the answer. Let me go to Tharvis, let me talk to them. I can do this, Dad. Trust me.”

Jack opened his mouth to argue further, but Melanie laid a hand on his arm. “Jack,” she said softly. “Listen to her. Really listen.”

A tense silence fell over the room. Raelee held her breath, acutely aware of her sisters’ presence at her back.

Finally, Jack spoke, his voice gruff. “And what makes you think they’ll listen to you? That they’ll be willing to renegotiate?”

Raelee thought of Vex—his kindness, his understanding. She pushed the memory aside, focusing on the task at hand. “Because it’s in their best interest too. A willing ally is far more valuable than a resentful one.”

Jack’s eyes narrowed, studying her. Raelee met his gaze steadily, refusing to back down.

“We’re going with her,” Venus chimed in. “All of us. To show our support for the alliance and to... explore our own options.”

Surprise flickered across Jack’s face. He looked at each of his daughters in turn, something like pride glimmering in his eyes.

Melanie stepped forward, taking Raelee’s hands in hers. “You’ve thought this through, haven’t you?”

Raelee nodded. “I have, Mom. I know it’s not what you and Dad had planned, but... I have to try. I have to do this my way.”

Melanie smiled, a hint of tears in her eyes. “My brave girl,” she murmured. She turned to Jack. “She’s right, you know. They all are.”

Jack ran a hand over his face, suddenly looking every bit his age. “I suppose I can’t stop you,” he said finally. “But I want daily reports. And if things go south, you come home immediately. Understood?”

Raelee felt a weight lift from her shoulders. It wasn’t full approval, but it was a start. “Understood.”

Her father left at the interruption of one of his aides, leaving Raelee with her mother and sisters.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Melanie murmured, stroking Raelee’s hair. “I was so worried. Are you sure you’re all right?”

Raelee couldn’t help but laugh, even as she felt tears prick at her eyes. “I’m fine, Mom. Really. I just... I needed some time to think.”

Melanie pulled back, cupping Raelee’s face in her hands. Her eyes were knowing, filled with a mixture of concern and understanding. “And did you find what you were looking for? Or should I saywho?”

Raelee hesitated, glancing at her sisters. They nodded encouragingly, Venus going so far as to give her a not-so-subtle thumbs up.

“I think I did,” Raelee said softly.

Melanie laughed softly, the sound warm and comforting. “Oh, sweetheart. I’ve known you were going to shake things up from the day you were born. I’ve just been waiting for you to realize it yourself. And as for your sisters...” She glanced at the other girls, her eyes twinkling. “Well, let’s just say there are ears all around this house. I heard every word of your little alien escape plans.”

“So... you’re not mad?” Raelee asked hesitantly.

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