Page 67 of Alien Protector's Mate

“Owned? We’re not property!” one woman shouted, her fists clenched at her sides.

Another yelled, “You can’t just trade us like we’re cattle!”

Sadie’s voice rose above the din, her tone a hard lash of anger and determination as she glared at Duke Kaarigan. “Is this how you plan to treat unmatched women, your grace? Like objects to be claimed? Make no mistake, I willensurethat President Murphy hears about this!”

The rage and anger radiating from the human females actually made Kaarigan freeze, his lips parting as he looked at the hostile group in surprise. S’aad bit back a bitter smile. The duke really didn’t know what he’d gotten himself into if he thought human females were meek and mild, or happy to be ordered around. He almost felt sorry for the male… or he would, if he hadn’t put Jade’s life on the line.

Prince Rohn cleared his throat and looked at S’aad. “I’m afraid he’s right. Until the matter of claim rights is settled, you need to keep your hands to yourself.”

Reluctantly, he released Jade, though every fiber of his being screamed in protest. He stepped back, creating a small distance between them but keeping his eyes locked on hers.

“Listen to me,kelarris,” he said, his voice low so it was just between them. “When I’ve won, you and I are going to have a serious talk about your confidence in your mate. I’m not some weakling unable to protect you.”

He paused, his expression softening at the fear in her eyes and the way she trembled, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Besides,” he murmured, stepping so close he could feel the heat of her body against his. “After last night, you might already be carrying my child. No force in this universe could make me lose this fight. Do you understand?”

“No touching!” L’arr ordered from across the room.

“I’m not touching her!” S’aad whipped his head around to snarl back with such venom that L’arr took a step back. The draanthic was afraid. It was quickly hidden, but he’d seen the flash of fear in the older Latharian’s eyes. Good. He should be afraid.

S’aad turned back to his scared little mate. “Understand me,kelarris?”

“You keep calling me that,” she whispered. “What does it mean? Little mouse? You called me that before.”

His lips curved in a gentle smile. “There’s no direct translation. It means beloved, or heart of my heart, or even my soul. You are all these things to me and more.”

Her eyes widened as a mixture of emotions flashed across her face—surprise, hope, and something that looked very much like love. She nodded slowly, seemingly at a loss for words.

He straightened and allowed himself one last glance at Jade. Then he turned to face M’lak, putting aside the mantle of healer and becoming the warrior he’d been since birth. M’lak would rue the day he crossed paths with him, and he would ensure the F’Nyal would forever remember why you should not cross a V’Renn.

Familiar faces pushed through the crowd, heading toward him. Vaan, K’rat, and Zell surrounded him, their presence a silent show of support.

He dropped his voice to a low murmur.

“If I fall here,” he said, his eyes never leaving M’lak, “he does not leave this room alive. You kill him. Then one of you claim mykelarris. Do not leave her unprotected, or by Liaanas herself, I will have my revenge from beyond death.”

Jade could barely breatheas the two Latharians circled each other in the middle of the room. She’d never seen S’aad like this before. Gone was the gentle healer and lover to be replaced by a warrior, lean and dangerous.

The harsh overhead lights glinted off the blades each warrior brandished. She couldn’t look away from them, mesmerized by their wicked edges. She swallowed hard, trying not to whimper in distress at the thought of the damage those blades could do. Just the thought made her stomach churn.

Her gaze bounced between the two fighters. S’aad’s expression was taut with concentration, his eyes focused intently on M’lak. In contrast, his opponent’s expression was one of cruel amusement, his dark eyes glittering with malice as he circled S’aad.

M’lak’s eyes suddenly locked on to her, and a smirk twisted his lips. He blew her a kiss.

“Don’t worry, little one,” he called out. “Once I’ve dealt with this pretender, I’ll show you what a real male can do.”

Bile rose up into her throat, burning the back of her tongue. She shrank back, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole. The thought of being at his mercy made her skin crawl.

“That’s quite enough, F’Nyal. Focus on the fight instead of tormenting an innocent woman,” a female voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

A hand dropped onto her shoulder gently at the same time. Half-turning, she found a blonde woman standing beside her, sympathy in her eyes.

“Hey… I’m Naomi,” the woman said softly. “Prince Rohn’s mate. Don’t let that asshole scare you.”

She teared up slightly, feeling overwhelmed at the support as the other women crowded closer around her. Their nearness was a comfort, and she leaned slightly into Naomi’s touch, drawing strength from the contact.

The clash of metal on metal rang out as the fight began in earnest. Her eyes widened as S’aad and M’lak engaged in a deadly dance. Their movements were lightning-fast, blades flashing as they struck and parried. The brutality of it took her breath away.

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