Page 91 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

“We have time.” My hands splayed possessively across her stomach. “And I saw a sheltered clearing just ahead...”

“Tharon!” But she laughed, making no move to pull away.

The clearing opened before us, sheltered by towering pines. A small stream tumbled over moss-covered rocks, providing both water and privacy. Perfect.

I reined the villart to a halt, swinging down before lifting Niam from the saddle. She came willingly into my arms, tilting her face up for a kiss.

“You're insatiable.” Her words were soft against my mouth.

“Only for you.” I backed her toward a fallen log, cushioned with soft moss. “Always for you.”

Her hands slid into my hair as I claimed her mouth properly, inwardly exulting at her eager response, at how perfectly she fit against me.

“Someone could come by,” she protested weakly as I trailed kisses down her throat.

“Let them.” I nipped gently at her pulse point, drawing a gasp. “Let them see how their prince worships his mate.”

Her laugh turned to a moan as my hands found bare skin beneath her tunic. “You’re impossible.”

“You love it.” I pulled back just enough to see her face. “Tell me to stop and I will.”

Her eyes darkened as she pulled me closer. “Don’t you dare.”

The beast’s satisfied rumble echoed through the clearing as I showed her exactly how untamed I could be. Let the whole mountain hear. Let them know how thoroughly I adored my mate.

Later, as we straightened our clothes and retrieved the villart, Niam’s cheeks still held a becoming flush. I couldn’t resist stealing another kiss before helping her mount.

“We’re never going to reach Zashi at this rate,” she complained, but her smile betrayed her.

“Would that be so terrible?” I settled behind her, pulling her close. “Just you and me in the mountains forever?”

She leaned back with a contented sigh. “Tempting. But duty calls.”

“Always so practical.” I pressed a kiss to her hair. “Fine. But I reserve the right to find more secluded clearings along the way.”

Her laugh spread warmth through my chest. “I suppose I can live with that.”

We rode on through the afternoon, the villart’s steady pace eating up the miles. Niam pointed out interesting plants and asked questions about landmarks we passed. Every query showed her sharp mind, her desire to understand her new home.

The sun hung in the sky when we crested a ridge overlooking a deep valley. Below, paths carved into the mountainside led down to a cluster of buildings nestled against the cliffs.

“The Costach Mos Inn,” I explained as Niam leaned forward to study the settlement. “We’ll rest here tonight before tackling the high passes tomorrow.”

“It’s bigger than I expected.” She traced the paths with her eyes. “All those terraces...”

“Shakai engineering at its finest.” Pride colored my voice. “The entire settlement is anchored into the living rock. Even the worst storms can’t shake it loose.”

We descended carefully, the villart picking its way along the switch-backing trail. Niam’s grip on the pommel tightened at particularly steep sections, but she never flinched.

The trading post’s stables occupied the lowest terrace, carved directly into the mountainside. As we approached, a stable hand hurried out to take our mount’s reins. His eyes widened at the sight of Niam’s unveiled face, but training kept him professional.

“Welcome, Your Highness.” He bowed deeply. “Lady. I’ll have rooms prepared immediately”

I helped Niam dismount, steadying her as her legs adjusted to solid ground. The beast growled possessively at the stable hand’s lingering glance, but she simply nodded acknowledgment.

“Thank you.” Her voice carried quiet authority. “Please see that our mount is well-cared for. He’s earned his rest today.”

The boy’s expression shifted from curiosity to respect. He bowed again before leading the villart away, speaking softly to the tired creature.

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