Page 31 of Alien Protector's Mate

“I’m analyzing genetic compatibility markers,” he explained, his deep voice carrying a hint of surprise. She got the feeling no one ever asked him about what he did. “It’s a vital part of the Latharian Mate Program.”

He paused for a moment, a frown between his brows. “Basically, I’m looking for patterns in the genetic code that indicate potential compatibility between Latharian and human DNA. It’s… complex work. Imagine trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle where half the pieces are from a different box and keep changing shape.”

She nodded, trying to wrap her head around the concept. “So, it’s like… super-super-advanced matchmaking? With a side of genetic blockfit?”

A low chuckle rumbled from his broad chest. “That’s one way to put it, yes. Though perhaps a bit oversimplified. It’s more like trying to find two compatible needles in a haystack the size of a planet. While blindfolded. And the haystack is on fire.”

She grinned at his description. “Sounds like a real party. Do you at least get to wear a fancy hat while you do it?”

His eyes twinkled with amusement. “Sadly, no. The fancy hat budget was cut last year. It’s a tragedy, really. I had my eye on a particularly dashing trilby.”

Before she could respond, a loud burst of noise erupted from somewhere beyond the lab doors. Angry shouts and the sound of breaking furniture made her jump. It was like being back atthe Morgans’ during one of their arguments, except with alien languages and fewer beer bottles or fists flying her way.

S’aad’s expression tightened.

“Stay here,” he ordered, his tone brooking no argument as he strode toward the door. “I’ll handle this.”

She watched as he disappeared into the corridor, the lab doors hissing shut behind him. For a moment, she sat frozen in place. The sounds of conflict continued, muffled but still discernible through the thick walls of the lab. It sounded like the Lathar version of a wrestling match was happening out there.

Curiosity and concern warred within her. She knew she should stay put as S’aad had told her to but… what if he needed help?

“Bad idea. Bad,badidea,” she muttered as she pushed away from the workstation. It was a bad idea on the level of poking an alien bear. But her feet were already carrying her toward the lab doors, apparently not getting the memo about self-preservation.

The doors slid open silently at her approach, like they were in on her little act of rebellion, and she peered cautiously into the corridor, her senses on high alert. The sleek, metallic walls amplified the noise of the fighting, and she headed that way.

As she got closer to the main area she’d been through earlier, individual voices became clearer… the deep, rumbling tones of Latharian warriors mixed with higher-pitched female voices. Fear, anger, and desperation filled the chaotic blend of sounds.

She paused at the corner, her back pressed against the cool metal wall. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself before cautiously peeking around the edge. The scene that greeted her was one of utter chaos. Furniture lay overturned, and the beautiful flower arrangements she’d seen earlier were scattered across the floor. In the center of the room stood a group of Latharian warriors, their massive forms towering over a clusterof human women who had pressed themselves against the far wall, their eyes wide in fear.

S’aad stood between the two groups, his stance wide and defensive and his hands held easily at his sides. Even at this distance, though, she saw the tension in his shoulders and the potential for violence coiled tightly in his leanly muscled body.

“M’lak,” S’aad said, his voice calm but firm. “There’s no need for this. If you have concerns about the program, we can discuss them civilly. Preferably without scaring the females.”

The warrior at the front of the group, presumably M’lak, stepped forward. His face would have been handsome if it weren’t twisted in anger.

“Civilly?” he spat. “We’ve been patient, V’Renn. We’ve followed your rules, submitted to your tests. And for what? To be passed over again and again while others are given mates?”

The bitterness and hatred in M’lak’s voice made her breath catch. She shivered, not wanting to think about some poor woman being matched with this man.

“I understand your frustration, M’lak,” S’aad replied, his hands spread in what looked like a placating gesture as he stepped forward, but she could see he was just positioning himself better to cover the women behind him. “But this is not the way to address it. You’re frightening these females and damaging LMP property. How does this help your cause?”

For a moment, it seemed as though S’aad’s words had gotten through. M’lak’s stance softened slightly, uncertainty flickering across his features. But then another voice rang out from the group behind him, apparently auditioning for the role of “Guy Who Makes Everything Worse.”

“He’s right! We’ve been patient long enough. If the program won’t give us mates, we’ll take them ourselves! They’re just human. It’s not like they can stop us!”

M’lak’s expression hardened. “He’s right. We’re done waiting, V’Renn. It’s time for action, not more of your endless tests and compatibility charts!”

Time seemed to slow as the situation spiraled out of control. M’lak and another warrior took a step forward, intent written into every line of their bodies, and the women behind S’aad gasped, pressing themselves further against the wall.

S’aad’s posture shifted subtly, and Jade’s breath caught in her throat. She couldn’t look away. Gone was the gentle scientist who had joked about fancy hats, and in his place stood a warrior, every line of his body radiating controlled power and deadly focus.

“This is not the way, M’lak,” S’aad warned, his voice low and dangerous. “You know I can’t let you harm these women. And trust me, you really don’t want to make me your enemy.”

But M’lak wasn’t listening. Instead, he snarled and lunged, a massive fist arcing toward S’aad’s face.

But her handsome Lathar wasn’t there anymore. He’d moved with startling speed, stepping inside M’lak’s guard. One hand deflected the blow to his face while the other struck with precision at a point just below his opponent’s ribs.

M’lak’s eyes widened in shock, his breath leaving him in a whoosh as he stumbled back. S’aad didn’t press his advantage, instead turning to face the second attacker. This one was more cautious, circling S’aad with predatory grace. When he struck, it was with a flurry of blows, each one powerful enough to shatter bone. She winced, half-expecting to see S’aad go down under the onslaught.

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