Page 49 of Alien Protector's Mate

Jade’s heart leapt into her throat. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she snapped, turning back to her workstation, her cheeks burning. “I’m just curious about the logistics. That’s all. For science.”

“Science, huh?” His breath ghosted over her ear as he leaned in. “You know, if you were curious, you could have joined me in the shower last night. I wouldn’t have minded.”

She froze, her mind reeling. He’d known? She gripped the edge of her desk, her knuckles turning white.

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she managed in a whisper.

He chuckled, low and deep, the sound sending shivers down her spine. “Don’t you? I could have sworn I felt someone watching me. And the way you’ve been avoiding eye contact all morning…”

Her breath came in short, sharp gasps. She wanted to run, to hide, and to confess everything all at the same time. But fear kept her rooted to the spot, her mind racing with possible outcomes, none of them good.

“S’aad, I…” she began, not even sure what she was going to say.

A loud chime from the lab door interrupted her, announcing another visitor. S’aad straightened up, his professional demeanor sliding back into place as if nothing had happened.

“We’ll continue this discussion later,” he said softly, his tone leaving no room for argument as he turned toward the door and called out.“Come in.”

She started to turn back to her workstation as the door slid open, her mind reeling. He knew she’d watched him. He didn’t seem angry, but… what did that mean? And how was she supposed to maintain her disguise now?

Jade’s heartraced as she stood in the corner of S’aad’s lab, her eyes darting between the towering Latharian med-tech and the imposing figure who had just entered. Who was definitelynotthe next intake appointment they were expecting. S’aad mostly processed the women because he had a good “bedside” manner and didn’t scare the bejezus out of them, but he’d told her if he had to process warriors, he did so in blocks, so unmatched males and females didn’t encounter each other.

“Chief Z’yan,” S’aad said with a frown, “what can we do for you?”

Z’yan’s gaze swept the lab, and she fought the urge to shrink into the corner, forcing herself to stand still. His eyes were a piercing grey, so pale they were almost colorless, and they seemed to see right through her carefully constructed facade.

“After the incident yesterday…” Z’yan’s voice was deep and gravelly, like stones grinding together, “I’m here to discuss security protocols.”

S’aad’s brows snapped together. “I’m afraid there may be some misunderstanding,” he replied, his words measured. “That kind of discussion should be with the mate program director. I believe that position belongs to the emperor.”

A flicker of something crossed Z’yan’s face before it settled back into an unreadable mask.

“You haven’t heard, then,” he said, his voice low and intense. “Command of the program has been transferred to Duke Kaarigan, a kinsman of the emperor.”

S’aad blinked, surprise washing over his handsome face. “Really? When?”

“As of this morning,” Z’yan said, and his expression eased a little. “I need to ensure I’m not caught napping on the job. I’ve had… run-ins with the duke before. Kaarigan hates me, and I can’t afford any mistakes.”

S’aad arched an eyebrow. “I still don’t understand why you’re talking to me about this.”

The chief’s eyes narrowed. “Because no one knows the security needs of this program better than you do,” he growled. “I need you to walk me through every security issue that’s cropped up since the program opened. Every detail, no matter how small.”

S’aad nodded. “Of course, I’ll assist in any way I can,” he said. “I assume this has to do with the incident involving M’lak and his friends?”

Z’yan’s jaw tightened. “Partially. That situation highlighted some weaknesses in our security protocols. If you hadn’t been there to intervene…”

“M’lak’s actions were inexcusable.” S’aad’s voice held a hint of steel. “But surely you don’t think he poses a genuine threat to the program as a whole?”

Z’yan snorted in amusement. “One warrior? No. But he’s not the only one growing impatient. The longer this program runs without producing results for everyone, the more desperate people become. And desperation breeds recklessness.”

Z’yan’s gaze snapped to Jade, and she fought the urge to shrink back, to hide.

“And what about him?” he demanded. “The human boy from the market. What’s he doing here?”

S’aad glanced her way, and she was surprised to see a flicker of protectiveness in his eyes. It made something warm and fuzzy uncurl in her chest.

“You don’t need to worry about Jay,” S’aad said, his tone firm. “He’s human and not a threat to the mate potentials.”

A harsh snort escaped the security chief.

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