Page 12 of The Alien's Captive Bride

Azlun’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. “I will always come for you, Venus. Always.”

For a moment, they just held each other, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Venus breathed in his scent, letting herself feel safe for the first time since her abduction.

But the moment was shattered by a renewed commotion from the direction of the market. Azlun pulled back, his expression turning serious.

“We’re not out of this yet,” he said grimly. “The ship is on the other side of the planet. It’s going to be a long journey.”

Venus nodded, steeling herself. She wiped away tears, her resolve hardening. “Then we better get moving. I didn’t come this far to get caught now.”

Azlun smiled, a mixture of pride and affection in his eyes. “That’s my girl. Any ideas for our next move?”

Venus thought for a moment, then grinned. “Actually, yes. See that vendor’s cart over there? I think it’s time we blend in with the locals.”

As they prepared to plunge back into danger, Venus felt a shift inside her. This was more than gratitude she was feeling. More than relief from being rescued. Something was forming between her and Azlun, something she wasn’t ready to name yet.

SIX

The neon signs of the dilapidated bar flickered weakly against the perpetual twilight of the alien sky, casting an eerie, pulsating glow over the desolate street. Azlun’s eyes darted from shadow to shadow, assessing potential threats as he guided Venus through the throng of rough-looking patrons. The air hung heavy with acrid smoke and the stench of alien beverages, a cacophony of guttural languages filling the space.

“Stay close,” Azlun murmured, his hand resting protectively on the small of Venus’s back. He felt her tense slightly at his touch, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into him almost imperceptibly, seeking comfort in his presence. The small gesture sent a shock through Azlun’s body, igniting a warmth in his chest.

As they approached the bar, a hulking creature with multiple arms and glowing eyes fixed its gaze on them. Its skin was a mottled green, covered in pulsating pustules that oozed a viscous liquid. Azlun met its stare unflinchingly, his posture radiating a quiet danger that made the alien look away first.

“We need a room,” Azlun said to the bartender, a wizened being with skin like cracked leather and eyes that had seentoo much. Azlun slid a handful of Tharvian currency across the sticky bar top, careful to keep his voice low and his demeanor nonchalant. “Just for the night.”

The bartender grunted, scooping up the money with a gnarled hand. His eyes, milky with age, narrowed as he studied the couple before him. “Upstairs. Last door on the left.” He tossed a rusted key at Azlun, who caught it deftly.

Azlun nodded toward the kitchen. “Have the cook bring up some food.” He laid more money on the counter.

As they climbed the creaking stairs, Azlun’s mind raced. The unpredictability of this underdeveloped planet kept him on edge. He was used to being in control, to having the upper hand in negotiations. But here in this lawless place with Venus’s safety weighing on his conscience, he felt a rare twinge of uncertainty.

The room was small and dingy with a single window overlooking the desolate cityscape. Flickering light from a malfunctioning holo-ad outside cast strange, shifting shadows across the walls. Azlun secured the lock and did a quick sweep for any hidden dangers before allowing himself to relax marginally.

“Well, this is cozy,” Venus quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she eyed the threadbare blankets on the two narrow cots. Despite her tone, Azlun noticed the slight tremor in her hands, the way her eyes darted around the room, betraying her unease.

Azlun couldn’t help but smirk, admiring her ability to maintain her wit even in such dire circumstances. “I’ll be sure to leave a glowing review for the establishment,” he replied, matching her tone. Then, softening his voice, he added, “Are you all right, Venus?”

She turned to him, surprise flickering across her face at his genuine concern. For a moment, her carefully constructed facade cracked, revealing a vulnerability that made Azlun’sheart ache. “I’m fine,” she said, but her voice lacked its usual conviction. “It’s just... been a long day.”

Azlun stepped closer, drawn by an inexplicable need to comfort her. “You’ve been incredibly brave,” he said softly. “Most people would have broken down by now, but you... you’re extraordinary, Venus.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away. Azlun found himself lost in the depths of her gaze, seeing not just the fierce, independent woman he’d come to admire, but also the vulnerable, human side she rarely showed. Without thinking, he reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Venus’s breath caught at the touch, her eyes widening slightly. Azlun felt the air between them charge with an electric tension, his heart racing. He leaned in, drawn by an irresistible force, and Venus tilted her face up to meet him.

Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss. It was gentle, almost hesitant at first, but quickly deepened as they both gave in to the emotions they’d been holding back. Azlun cupped Venus’s face in his hands, marveling at how perfectly she fit against him. Venus’s arms wound around his neck, pulling him closer as she melted into the kiss.

When they parted, Azlun rested his forehead against hers. “I’m so grateful you’re safe,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “When I heard you’d been taken... I’ve never been so terrified in my life.”

The moment was interrupted by a knock at the door, making them freeze. Azlun moved silently, positioning himself between Venus and the potential threat. He opened the door a crack, relaxing slightly when he saw the bartender holding a tray of food.

“Your order,” the old alien grumbled, shoving the tray into Azlun’s hands before shuffling away.

The meal was a strange alien stew, chunks of unidentifiable meat floating in a viscous liquid that glowed faintly in the dim light. It wasn’t appetizing, but it was hot, and after the chaos of the day, it was a welcome respite.

As they ate, the tension in the room eased slightly. Venus broke the silence, her voice softer than before. “So, Prince Charming, what’s our next move?”

Azlun lifted an eyebrow at the nickname, a half smirk raising one side of his mouth. “Prince Charming, is it? And here I thought you found me insufferable.”

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