Page 49 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

“Good.” I gently kissed each scar in turn. “Let them know. You are different. You’re mine.”

A blush crept across her cheeks, but she didn’t reach for the veil again. Progress.

Outside, the camp stirred to life. Voices called greetings, metal clanked against stone as cooking fires blazed to life. The familiar sounds of a Shakai camp waking.

I helped Niam gather our belongings, trying not to hover as she moved about the tent. The night’s passion had left marks on her pale skin - claiming kisses along her throat.

“Stop fretting,” she murmured, catching my expression. “I’m not made of glass.”

“I know.” But the beast disagreed, urging me to wrap her in furs and keep her safe from all harm.

We emerged into the pre-dawn chill to find Mahra waiting, arms crossed and a knowing smile on her weathered face. Her eyes widened slightly at Niam’s unveiled features, but approval warmed her expression.

“The morning brings changes,” she said, inclining her head. “And wisdom, it seems.”

Two villarts stood ready, laden with supplies. The smaller mount shifted restlessly, sensing my approach.

“For your mate to ride,” Mahra explained, gesturing to the second beast. “The journey ahead is long.”

I shook my head. “She rides with me.”

“As you wish.” Mahra’s smile widened. “Though perhaps your mate might appreciate the option of choice?”

Niam’s fingers brushed my arm. “I prefer staying close,” she said softly.

The beast preened at her words. My mate, choosing to remain at my side.

Mahra raised her hands in the traditional blessing. “May the winds guide your path and the earth steady your steps. Return to us when fate allows.”

The sun crested the eastern peaks as we departed, painting the sky in streaks of gold and rose. Niam sat before me on the villart, her body fitting perfectly against mine. Each step of the mount pressed her closer, a sweet torment after the night’s passion.

A merchant caravan passed on the narrow trail, the traders’ eyes widening when they spotted my unveiled mate. One man stared too long - I bared my teeth until he looked away.

“They’re just curious,” Niam murmured, relaxing incrementally as we continued on. “No one’s tried to burn me at the stake yet.”

“Not funny.” I nuzzled her hair, breathing in her scent to calm the beast’s protective rage.

The day wore on as we traveled, my mate gradually unwinding in my arms. When we passed the first Shakai village, the initial shock on the villagers’ faces gave way to cautiousacceptance. Perhaps they sensed my claim on her, saw how naturally she moved among our people.

A herd of wild tarnul grazed on the hillside, their scaled hides gleaming in the sunlight. Niam leaned forward, fascination bright in her eyes.

“I’ve only seen them in the Temple’s archives,” she breathed. “They’re beautiful.”

I explained how the beasts lived in family groups, led by the eldest female. How they used their long necks to reach the sweetest leaves in the tallest trees. How their scales changed color with the seasons.

Her wonder at each new discovery delighted me. The Temple had locked her away from the world - now I could show her everything she’d missed.

Something flickered at the edge of my vision - a flock of kaldrini taking flight from a nearby cliff face. Their transparent wings scattered rainbow light across the rocks.

“Look.” I pointed them out, savoring Niam’s soft gasp of appreciation. “They nest in the highest peaks, weaving their homes from the thinnest of strands.”

“How do they survive the winter storms?”

“The whole flock huddles together, creating a pocket of warmth in their nest.”

She turned her head towards me. “You know so much about this land.”

“I’ve spent years exploring these mountains.” My arms tightened around her waist. “Now I get to share them with you.”

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