Page 2 of Alien Prince Fake Fiancé

“I know how you feel about the Council, and your day to avenge your planet is coming.” Zade’s hand closed into a tight, angry fist. “I would bet my last goldtalod, whatever those thieving, blood sucking maggots are doing here, they’re up to no good.”

“Agreed.”

Zade took a long look around. He’d never been to Earth. Just outside the open bay doors were signs of spring. The air was still cool, but the shrubs and bushes were green. Well-manicured flower beds buzzed with life and vibrant colors. Many bloomed with tiny, fragrant buds. Beautiful. Peaceful. Yet every instinct demanded he remain on high alert. Uneasy. He hadn’t eluded the Intergalactic Council’s manipulations and trickery all these years because he ignored those instincts.

He spoke quietly into his comm. “Kataura. Status?”

Through the comms a female voice replied, “Sensors indicate three guards on the north side. Two around back. No trace of Lumerians, but I can definitely feel a lot of eyes on us right now.”

Kataura manned the ship’s sensors from the bridge, acting as his second set of eyes. She, too, was a Lumerian Knight, one of the few surviving females, and her ability to detect the presence of her kind bordered on spooky. If she said they were being watched, they most certainly were.

“Understood. Keep your eyes open. We don’t know what we’re walking into.” Lifting one hand, Zade gave the signal to move out. He led twenty of his warriors—ten seen, ten cloakedLumerian Knights—past docking equipment, the hiss and clank of machinery attaching to his ship’s hull blending into a cacophony of sounds as they made their way down the gangway, toward the lone male awaiting his arrival.

Zade maintained mental calm, his muscles loose. Ready. He’d expected King Dagan to have Lumerian Knights at his command, just as he did. To anyone outside the royal families, the Lumerian Knights had become nothing more than myth. Legend.

As a royal of Caldor, Zade knew the truth. The Knights were real. They’d come to Caldor after their own planet was destroyed thousands of years ago, the survivors hunted by the Council. The Knights offered their skills as elite warriors, spies, and assassins in exchange for secret refuge. Should the Council discover Caldor was protecting the Lumerians, they would destroy Caldor as well.

Assuming Kataura’s instincts were right, an unknown number of King Dagan’s Knights had their sights trained on Zade and his men.

The tension in Bren’s voice resonated through the comms. “I now understand why the Council wanted to control trade with Earth. It's teeming with resources.Fulack.What a nightmare. No wonder the planet was attacked. Everyone will want a piece of this.”

“I doubt that's why King Dagan requested Zedrick’s help.”

“Guess we’re about to find out.” Bren cleared his throat and went silent as Zade approached the ambassador. The ambassador stood tall, back stiff, a slight frown on his face as he waited to greet Zade’s landing party.

Stopping a few paces away, Zade raised his visor and dipped his chin in a show of respect for King Dagan’s closest advisor and friend. Everyone knew the ambassador was also a highly skilled warrior. He would not have been named ambassador toany planet if he didn't have superior fighting skills to go along with his silver tongue, regardless of his friendship with the king.

“Commander,” Ambassador Shronti gave a slight bow, “King Dagan and Queen Sasha, along with the people of the Western Sector, thank you for coming. They offer their deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of your brother. You have the king’s personal apology for not attending Prince Zedrick’s ceremony. Had the situation here not been so urgent, the king would not have missed it.”

Zade nodded his acceptance. Dagan had been a true friend to his brother, which was why he was here now. If Dagan needed something, Zade would do his best to honor their friendship and help in any way he could.

Zade clasped the ambassador’s arm in traditional warrior fashion. “It is I who must apologize, Ambassador. I hope I am not too late. I came as quickly as I was able.”

“Just. The selection is hours away.” The ambassador released Zade’s arm and stepped back to clear his throat. “Call me Cam. I see you brought The Reaper. I’ve heard stories about your battleship. King Dagan will be pleased to have it here.”

Zade cocked an eyebrow. “Then you really are expecting trouble.”

“We hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”

Zade grinned. Spoken like a true politician, an answer that was no answer at all. “What selection?”

The ambassador’s gaze darted around the grounds before coming to rest on Zade’s face. “My apologies, Prince Zade. I’m afraid explanations must wait until we are in a secure area.” The ambassador turned and led the way to an unmarked building nearby.

Zade fell into step beside him, stopping when the ambassador paused in front of the entrance to face him. “Do notbring anyone inside whom you do not trust with your life, the lives of your people, and the fate of Caldor herself.”

A shiver of cold foreboding raced through Zade’s body, as if his brother’s ghost had whispered the warning to the darkest places in his heart.

CHAPTER ONE

Caldorian Earth Base

“You wantme to pretend I’ve been claimed by one of them? Engaged? Are you insane?” Ashlyn whispered to her sister, her lips barely moving so none of the biggest, sexiest alien warriors she’d ever seen would know how close she was to full meltdown mode.

“I know it’s crazy, and really dangerous, but whoever you choose will make your safety his top priority.”

“You know I’ll do whatever you need me to do, right? I have a million questions, though, and I’m not going to lie. I’m terrified.”

Rachel grinned. “You’re the best, Ash. Seriously. You always step up, no matter how hard it is. Always.”

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