Page 23 of The Alien's Unwanted Bride

Zora startled, spinning around to find Dravek standing at the edge of the grove. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, memories of their shared intimacy flooding her mind. In the soft light of the flowers, his usually stern features were softened, his eyes holding a warmth that made her breath catch.

“Dravek,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t expect to find anyone else out here.” She drank in the sight of him, noticing how the moonlight silvered his dark hair and accentuated the strong line of his jaw.

He stepped closer, moving with a grace that belied his imposing stature. “I couldn’t sleep,” he admitted. “There’s too much on my mind.”

Zora nodded in understanding, unconsciously leaning toward him. “Me too. I thought some fresh air might help, but...”

“But it’s not that simple,” Dravek finished for her. He was close now, close enough that Zora could feel the heat radiating from his body. It took all her willpower not to close the distance between them and seek comfort in his embrace.

Instead, she turned back to the flowers, needing a moment to compose herself. “Do you know the legend behind this grove?” she asked, grateful that her voice remained steady.

Dravek moved to stand beside her, his presence both comforting and electrifying. “Ylara mentioned it briefly,” he said, his voice low and intimate in the quiet night. “Something about the flowers responding to emotions?”

Zora nodded, a small smile in her expression. “It’s said that the strength of the glow reflects the depth of feeling between two people. Lovers come here to declare their intentions, to see if their emotions are in harmony.”

She felt rather than saw Dravek tense beside her. When she glanced up at him, his expression was one of intense concentration as if he was wrestling with some internal struggle.

“Zora,” he said finally, his voice low and rough with emotion. He turned to face her fully, his eyes searching hers. “I... I’m not good at expressing myself. On Tharvis, emotions are seen as a feebleness especially for those in positions of power. But being here with you has changed everything.”

Zora’s heart raced, hope and fear warring within her. “What do you mean?” she asked softly, hardly daring to breathe.

Dravek ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration that was becoming endearingly familiar. “I find myself... confused. Overwhelmed. The way I feel when I’m with you, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.” His eyes dropped to her lips for a moment before meeting her gaze again. “I can’t stop thinking about you, about the time we’ve spent together.”

Heat bloomed in Zora’s cheeks at the memory of their intimate night. “I think about it too,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “About you.”

Emboldened by her words, Dravek reached out, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. The simple touch sent sparks skittering across her skin. “I like spending time with you, Zora. More than I ever thought possible. But these feelings, this attraction... it’s all new to me. I don’t know how to navigate it.”

SEVENTEEN

Zora felt a wave of tenderness wash over her. She reached up, covering his hand with hers where it rested against her cheek. To her amazement, the flowers around them blazed brighter, their glow intensifying in response to their touch.

“I like spending time with you too, Dravek,” she said, her voice soft but sure. “And I understand the confusion. This is all new for me as well. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”

Dravek’s thumb caressed her cheekbone. “What do we do?” he asked, vulnerability clear in his voice. “With everything that’s happening and the battle ahead...”

Zora stepped closer, eliminating the last bit of distance between them. She placed her free hand on Dravek’s chest, feeling his heart racing beneath her palm. “We take it one day at a time,” she said. “We fight for what we believe in, for the future we want to see. And... we explore these feelings together. If that’s what you want.”

Dravek’s other arm slipped around her waist, drawing her even closer. “It is,” he whispered. “More than anything.”

For a moment, they stood in silence, surrounded by the pulsing light of the flowers. The air between them was chargedwith unspoken emotions, possibilities, and promises yet to be made. Zora could feel the solid warmth of Dravek’s body against hers and the strength in his arms as he held her.

“You know,” Zora said, a mischievous glint in her eye as she tried to lighten the mood, “on Earth, there’s a saying about soldiers before battle. Something about last nights at home...”

Dravek’s eyebrow quirked up, a smile tugging on his lips. “Oh? And what do Earth soldiers do on these last nights?”

Zora’s fingers played with the collar of his shirt, her touch featherlight and teasing. “Oh, you know. Make grand declarations, kiss passionately under the stars. That sort of thing.”

“Is that so?” Dravek’s voice had dropped an octave, sending a thrill through her. “And is that what you’re suggesting, Zora Arison?”

She tilted her head, pretending to consider. “Well, we’re not on Earth. And it’s not our last night. But...” She glanced up at him through her lashes. “I wouldn’t be opposed to the kissing part.”

Dravek’s laugh was low and rich, a sound that made Zora’s heart soar. “Who am I to argue with Earth customs?” he murmured, leaning down.

Their lips met in a kiss that started soft and sweet but quickly blazed into something more. Zora’s arms wound around Dravek’s neck as he pulled her flush against him, one hand tangling in her hair. They poured all their unspoken feelings, fears, and hopes for the future into that kiss.

When they finally parted, the flowers around them glowed so brightly, it was almost like daylight in the grove.

“Wow,” Zora breathed, her lips tingling.

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