Page 43 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

“Then teach me.”

She shook her head. “It took years of integration for me to learn this. There isn’t time.”

“Make time.” The beast’s growl leaked into my voice. “I won’t let you walk back into that place.”

“You can’t stop me.” She lifted her chin, defiant. “This is my fight.”

“Our fight.” My hands gripped her shoulders, careful to be gentle despite the beast’s fury. “You’re my mate. Your battles are mine now.”

Something flickered in her expression. “I’m not used to that.”

“To what?”

“Having someone on my side.” She pressed her palm against my chest. “Having allies.”

The word triggered a memory. “That’s it - you already have allies. The women you sent to find the device pieces.”

“Lita, Mila, and Denna?” Her brow furrowed. “But they’re safe now, away from the Temple. I can’t ask them to-”

“You don’t have to ask them to risk themselves. But they might know something - more about the city than you do. You were kept isolated for your entire life.” I stroked my thumb along her jaw. “At least talk to them before rushing in unprepared.”

“I’ll remind you frequently.” I pressed a kiss to her temple. “We should return to Mahra’s camp. I can send a messenger bird to Lita - I promised to keep her updated anyway.”

Niam cast one last look at the pod’s controls, her fingers trailing across the metal surface. Then she straightened, decision clear in her bearing. “Yes. Let’s go before I change my mind about this plan.”

Relief flooded through me at her willingness to leave this cursed place.

Back in the initial cave, we retrieved the villart, who seemed as eager as I felt to put distance between us and the tunnel with its mysterious pod.

The journey back proved faster now that we knew the route. Niam settled naturally against me as we rode, her body fitting perfectly against mine. The beast was pleased at her trust, at how easily she accepted my protection.

By the time Mahra’s camp came into view, the sun hung low on the horizon.

The Elder emerged from her tent as we approached, her sharp eyes taking in how closely Niam sat against me. A knowing smile crossed her face.

Heat crept up my neck. The beast might not care about others’ opinions, but the man remembered too many years of cold calculation to be comfortable with such obvious emotion.

“Welcome back, children.” Mahra’s gaze lingered on where my hand rested at Niam’s waist. “I trust you found what you sought?”

“And more besides.” I helped Niam dismount, reluctant to release her even for a moment. “We need to send a message bird back to Zashi.”

“My scouts spotted you crossing the ridge,” Mahra said, her rings catching the fading light. She cast an appraising eye over us both and a knowing smile crossed her weathered face. “When I saw how you rode together, I took the liberty of having a proper camp set up.” She gestured toward a tent set slightly apart from the others. “I didn’t think you’d object.”

My blush deepened. But before I could protest, Niam's delighted laugh stopped me. The sound wrapped around my heart, precious and rare.

Maybe a little embarrassment was worth it, to hear that sound again.

“Come.” Mahra gestured toward an enclosure near the back of the camp. “Let’s visit the wing master and get your message sent, so you can attend to other things.”

NIAM

Wind chimes sang softly in the evening breeze as we approached the enclosure, their crystalline notes weaving through the rustling of feathers and soft calls of birds.

Tharon’s warmth at my back steadied me, grounding me in this strange new place. His fingers brushed my waist with each step, a constant reminder of his presence. Of his protection.

“The aravela are our pride.” Mahra grinned as she gestured toward the cages. “Bred to hunt, they still carry messages faster than any other bird. Perfect for reaching Zashi quickly.”

As we neared the entrance, the wing master turned from her work, silver-threaded braids swaying with the movement. Small bones and feathers wove through her hair, clicking softly together.

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