Page 5 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

A long moment passed as Vexor weighed his options. Finally, he gave a curt nod. “Do it.”

Garek sprang into action, his fingers dancing across a nearby control panel. The holographic display shifted, zooming in on a specific location on Earth. A new screen window opened and an audio feed crackled to life.

“—can’t believe I’m doing this,” a female voice came through, tense and slightly breathless.

“Believe it, sister,” another voice replied. “Operation Runaway Bride is a go!”

Vexor and Garek exchanged glances. “It seems,” Vexor said slowly, “that my future bride has plans of her own.”

They listened intently as Raelee and her friend Maya discussed their escape plan. Raelee’s voice was a mix of determination and vulnerability, her sharp wit evident even in her moments of doubt.

“I can’t live my life as a bargaining chip, Maya,” Raelee said, her voice cracking slightly. “I need to be free even if it’s just for a little while.”

Something stirred in Vexor’s chest—understanding, perhaps even admiration. This was not the docile, politically savvy bride he had expected. This was a woman of spirit and conviction.

“Well,” Garek said, breaking the silence that had fallen over the chamber. “This certainly complicates things.”

Vexor’s mind raced, analyzing the situation from every angle. Suddenly, a plan began to form. “No,” he said, a hint of excitement coloring his voice. “This is an opportunity.”

Garek eyed him curiously. “Care to elaborate?”

“We let her run,” Vexor explained, his eyes alight with purpose. “And I follow. Not as Crown Prince Vexor of Tharvis, but as... someone else. Someone who can get to know the real Raelee Arison.”

A slow grin spread across Garek’s face. “Now that sounds like a plan worthy of a Tharvisian prince. But what about your duties? The mission?”

Vexor’s expression sobered. “The mission remains paramount. But perhaps... perhaps there’s a way to fulfill my duty to Tharvis while also honoring my own desire for a genuine connection.”

“A noble goal,” Garek nodded. “And an ambitious one. You’re walking a fine line, my friend.”

“When have I ever done otherwise?” Vexor replied, a rare smirk tugging on his lips.

Garek laughed, the sound rich and warm. “Fair point. So, what’s our first move, Oh, Cunning One?”

Vexor turned back to the holographic display. “First, put a tracer on the bio-signature from the ring. I don’t think she’s wearing it so we’ll have to track her another way.”

“Already done,” Garek replied, tapping the control panel keys.

“Now, we prepare for my own covert mission to Earth. I’ll need a disguise, a backstory, and a way to ‘accidentally’ cross paths with our runaway bride.”

“Leave the details to me,” Garek said, already tapping away at the control panel. “I’ll have you blending in with the Earthlings in no time. Though I can’t promise I won’t have a little fun with your wardrobe.”

Vexor shot him a warning look. “Nothing too outlandish, Garek. The goal is to go unnoticed.”

“Spoilsport,” Garek muttered. “Fine, one boring Earth disguise coming up. But don’t blame me if you end up looking like a tax accountant.”

As Garek busied himself with the preparations, Vexor moved to the viewport. Earth loomed larger now, a blue and green jewel against the backdrop of space. He pressed his hand against the cool transparent material, his expression a mix of determination and apprehension.

“Raelee Arison,” he murmured. “Who are you really?”

The vastness of space seemed to echo his uncertainty, but Vexor squared his shoulders, resolve settling over him like a mantle. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on. For Tharvis, for Earth, and perhaps... for a chance at something more than a marriage of political convenience.

Earth wanted desperately to get their hands on even the most simple of Tharvisian technology while Tharvis wanted the genetic diversity and reproductive compatibility that all eightbillion humans offered, especially the females. Though Earth was seen as a savage planet, they still had some marine and cultural resources Tharvis wanted to get his hands on.

As the ship continued its journey toward Earth, Vexor allowed himself a moment of anticipation.

THREE

The hum of the car’s engine filled the night as Raelee Arison sped down the empty streets, her knuckles white against the steering wheel. Streetlights blurred past, casting fleeting shadows across her face. Her heart raced, a mixture of fear and exhilaration coursing through her veins.

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