Page 51 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

Raelee nodded, absorbing the information. A part of her marveled at how quickly she’d come to care about the fate of this alien world. Just days ago, she’d been running from the very idea of this arranged marriage. Now, the thought of not being here, of not standing by Vex’s side to face whatever came next, was unthinkable.

“How bad is it?” she asked, her voice hoarse. “Vex’s injury, I mean.”

Garek’s expression softened. “It’s serious, but not life-threatening. Our medical technology is far beyond anything on Earth. He’ll recover quickly.”

Relief washed over Raelee, so intense it left her lightheaded. “Thank God,” she breathed.

“You should get some rest,” Garek suggested. “I’ll wake you as soon as there’s any change in his condition.”

But Raelee shook her head. “No. I need to see him. Please, Garek.”

He studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “All right. Come with me.”

They made their way through the palace’s winding corridors to the medical wing. The stark, clinical environment was a jarring contrast to the ornate architecture of the rest of the palace. Garek led her to a private room where Vex lay surrounded by softly beeping machines.

Raelee’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. He looked pale and vulnerable, so different from the strong, commanding presence she’d come to know. She moved to his bedside, gently taking his hand in hers.

“I’ll give you some privacy,” Garek said softly, retreating from the room.

Alone with Vex, Raelee felt the full weight of her emotions crash over her. Tears she’d been holding back spilled down her cheeks as she clutched his hand.

“You scared me half to death, you know that?” she whispered angrily, her voice thick with unshed tears. “I thought... I thought I was going to lose you before I had the chance to tell you...”

She took a shaky breath, gathering her courage. “I love you, Vex. God help me, I tried not to. I was so angry when I found out who you really were. I felt betrayed, manipulated. But now I understand. You did what you did because you wanted a chance at something real, just like I did.”

Her thumb traced gentle circles on the back of his hand as she continued. “When I saw you take that hit for me... when I thought I might lose you... nothing else mattered. Not your lie, not our arrangement, nothing. All that mattered was you.”

Raelee leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. “So you better wake up soon, you hear me? Because we have a lot to talk about, and a whole future to plan. Together.”

As if in response to her words, Vex’s fingers twitched in her grasp. Raelee’s heart leaped as his eyes slowly fluttered open, confusion giving way to recognition as his gaze focused on her.

“Raelee?” he murmured, his voice weak but clear.

A watery laugh escaped her. “Hey, there, sleeping beauty. Welcome back.”

Vex’s brow furrowed as he took in their surroundings. “The temple... Eerion’s men...”

“It’s over,” Raelee assured him quickly. “Garek arrived with reinforcements. We’re safe now.”

Relief washed over Vex’s features, followed quickly by concern. “Are you all right? Did they hurt you?”

Raelee shook her head, marveling at his selflessness even in this state. “I’m fine. You’re the one who decided to play hero and take a blade for me, remember?”

A ghost of a smile touched Vex’s lips. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

“Don’t you dare,” Raelee warned. She hesitated for a moment, then plunged ahead. “Vex, I... I need to tell you something.”

He looked at her expectantly, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes.

Raelee took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. For doubting you, for pushing you away. I understand now why you did what you did on Earth. And I... I love you. I love you, and I want to be with you, not because of some arrangement or treaty, but because you’re you.”

Vex’s eyes widened, a mix of joy and disbelief washing over his face. “Raelee, I... are you sure? After everything that’s happened...”

She silenced him with a gentle kiss. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

When she pulled back, Vex’s smile was radiant despite his weakened state. “I love you too,” he whispered. “More than I ever thought possible.”

They stayed like that for a long moment, basking in the newfound honesty between them. Then Vex’s expression grew serious. “Raelee, you should know... the situation on Tharvis is still unstable. There will be more challenges ahead. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to return to Earth, to safety.”

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