Page 17 of The Alien's Pet

Korrev didn't deny this, nor did he apologize. She expected him to put her on a leash like he often did when he wasn't happy with her, but instead, he picked her up and placed her over this thick, heavy shoulder.

He sometimes did this, but only when she was being naughty. It was odd he was doing it now.

Karin didn't complain. Instead, she focused on the way his hand touched the back of her thighs and the way he protectively held her so she wouldn't fall.

Eight

"What did you want to discuss?" Kyvan asked as he stretched his muscles. Korrev had asked him to meet him after he put down Karin for her daily nap after lunch.

"Alice."

Kyvan looked surprised. No doubt, he had been expecting to discuss something in regards to treaty or battle. His mood darkened, his protective side coming out. Korrev had made it clear he didn't like his little mate, and therefore, he was now being protective of her.

"What about her?" he asked tensely.

"I want to move forward with what we discussed previously," he said calmly. "About providing Karin with a playdate. I'm assuming Alice gets lonely from time to time."

"I suppose so," he said uncomfortably.

Alice had a temper, and Kyvan sometimes struggled to control her. Korrev had advised him to take a belt to her ass more often, something which he had obviously not agreed upon. No wonder Alice had him wrapped around her little finger.

She wasn't exactly his first choice as a friend for Karin, especially since his other warriors had much nicer, bettercontrolled mates. Still, the only warrior he truly trusted like a brother was Kyvan, which meant he had to deal with Alice.

"Good. So, you'll bring her the day after tomorrow." It wasn't a question. "Bring her before lunch, to my private gardens. I don't like Karin's schedule to change too much."

Kyvan bowed, and his jaw tensed. It was clear he was unhappy letting Alice out of his sight. Especially since Karin hadn't been a model pet, either, but he didn't have a choice. Korrev was the king, and the king gave orders.

On the day of the appointed playdate, Korrev found Karin playing with one of his old, complicated puzzles from his childhood which had been used to test endurance, perseverance, and patience.

She grew bored sitting around all day or following him around when he had errands or meetings to run. Karin had found this box of puzzles when she had been cleaning and had quickly become enamored by an activity which made her "think more".

"Get up, Karin," he instructed.

"Do you have another meeting?" she asked with a pout as she left behind her puzzle. Usually, he only brought her to meetings to show off her beauty. Karin had made it clear on more than one occasion that she grew tired of being paraded around like a "show pony", whatever that meant.

"No. You have a playdate." He let her out of his quarters with, thankfully, no pink leash in his hand.

Karin looked surprised. "With whom?"

Karin didn't seem like a very sociable creature compared to the other females. He was actually surprised she didn't refuse to go. She was older than most of the younger mates and much too serious sometimes for Korrev's liking. He hoped Alice's immaturity would rub off on her.

"Alice. Kyvan's mate."

She paled, then looked embarrassed. "The girl who stormed in when I was on my knees," she blushed, and Korrev smirked, "the one with the blue bow."

"Yes." Korrev placed a hand gently on her lower back once they reached his private gardens. "You have nothing to be ashamed about. Believe me, Alice has had her own share of punishments."

"Is she nice?" Karin hesitated, sounding younger than she was. It was like she was worried Alice would tease her for her low status of being a king's pet.

"If she isn't, you will tell me and I will deal with her," Korrev responded curtly.

Karin was taken to the private gardens of the king, this time without a leash, to wait for their guests.

Korrev could tell she was nervous, by the way she kept squirming and looking over her shoulder. He finally had to tell her to kneel down next to him and be quiet. She complied but was obviously embarrassed by her nudity.

Korrev wondered if this was a good idea, but Azis had told him she might be happier if she had a friend to play with. To be quite honest, he didn't trust anyone but Kyvan, even if his mate was questionable.

Deep down, he wanted Karin to be happy, not just an empty shell who obeyed his every command. If it meant he had to order somebody to be her friend, so be it.