Page 8 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

“I won’t hurt you,” I said instead.

She shook her head. “You don’t understand. This... connection. It’s not natural.”

I laughed, a harsh sound even to my own ears. “Many would argue that very little about me is natural, little one. But I’m here now, and I intend to keep you safe.”

Niam turned away, taking a few unsteady steps. I followed close behind, ready to catch her if she fell.

“I don’t need your help,” she said, her voice strained. “I just need that device.”

As if to prove her wrong, her legs gave out. I lunged forward, catching her before she hit the ground.

“Of course,” I said, unable to keep the amusement from my voice. “But perhaps you’d allow me to assist you, just until we’re out of these canyons? And then I’ll happily give the device over to you, if that’s what you desire?”

She glared up at me, defiance burning in her eyes. But I could see the exhaustion there too, the way her body trembled with fatigue.

“Fine,” she said grudgingly. “But only until we’re through the Canyonlands.”

I nodded, helping her to her feet. “Of course.”

As we set off across the rocky terrain, I couldn’t help but smile. She might not trust me yet, but she would. I’d faced down the vipers of the Zashi court, survived the machinations of my own power-hungry mother. Winning Niam’s trust would be a challenge, certainly, but one I was more than ready to face.

And as I watched her pick her way carefully over the uneven ground, her determination evident in every step, I knew one thing with absolute certainty.

I would never let her go.

NIAM

Istumbled over another loose rock, my legs shaking with exhaustion. The canyon walls towered above us, casting long shadows in the fading light. My mind raced, trying to make sense of the unexpected turn my carefully laid plans had taken.

Tharon. A Valti. He wasn’t supposed to be here. For months, I’d plotted my escape from the Temple, every detail meticulously planned. But now...

“What exactly are we heading towards?” Tharon’s deep voice broke through my thoughts. “You marked a location in that message. What’s waiting for us there?”

I turned to face him, studying the sharp angles of his face, the spots trailing down his jaw. So alien, yet oddly familiar.

“Nothing that concerns you,” I said, my voice clipped. “Remember, you’re only accompanying me until we’re out of the Canyonlands. After that, we go our separate ways.”

Tharon’s lips tightened, but he didn’t argue. Good. The last thing I needed was to get attached to someone else. Especially someone like him.

I took another step forward, my muscles screaming in protest. My body, weakened by years in the Temple, betrayed me at every turn. Frustration bubbled up inside me. I’d knownthis journey would be difficult, but I hadn’t anticipated just how much.

The ground shifted beneath my feet. I flailed, trying to catch my balance, but it was too late. I braced myself for impact with the hard canyon floor.

It never came.

Strong arms scooped me up, cradling me against a broad chest. I blinked, startled by the gentleness of Tharon’s grip. My heart raced, and not just from the near fall.

“I’ve got you,” Tharon murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

I stared up at him, taking in the softness in his expression. It was so at odds with everything I’d come to expect from the cold, calculating prince. A faint blush colored his cheeks as he noticed my scrutiny.

“What?” he asked, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone. “I’m not always a jerk, you know.”

A laugh bubbled up from my chest, surprising us both. When was the last time I’d laughed? The sound felt foreign, almost painful after so long.

“There,” Tharon said, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “That’s better. Just think of me as your personal bagart. I’ll carry you wherever you need to go.”

The levity of the moment faded as we approached a fork in the canyon. Tharon nodded towards the left path.

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