Page 38 of Alien Prince Fake Fiancé

Izura leaned closer and said quietly, “I’ve never seen a gathering quite this large. There are more than a few who came to witness the downfall of one of the oldest families in the Intergalactic community. You and the Caldorian are making history today.”

“I see.” Ashlyn’s pulse kicked up another notch. Her chest hurt. She was young. Healthy. She wasn’t having a heart attack, was she?

“I’m glad you understand. Now, please open your mouth so that I can properly fit the adapter.”

Reluctantly, Ashlyn opened her mouth. Izura placed the small round ball in the center, much like a glass marble, on top of Ashlyn’s tongue, then connected the two narrow straps behind her head, securing the ball in place.

“Are the straps too tight? Are you experiencing any discomfort?”

“No, they’re fine,” she slurred.

“Good.” Izura reached into her pocket and withdrew a small electronic device. She tapped a few buttons and the device beeped. “This next part might be slightly more unnerving. Try to stay calm. Breathe through your nose and you’ll be fine.”

Ashlyn’s eyebrows shot up, but before she could ask any questions, the ball inside her mouth began to expand. Within a few seconds, the ball had grown so big she had to open her mouth as wide as she could. She jerked in reaction, pulled against the restraints, and let out a surprised shout. No sound came out. Panicked, she screamed louder and tossed her head back and forth, trying to get the ball out of her mouth. Not a whisper of sound escaped.

From the corners of her eyes, she saw many of the spectators adjust earpieces they hadn’t been wearing earlier. She screamed again, as loud as she could, as they adjusted the volume. She screamed until she’d released all the pent up emotions she’d been holding back since the day began.

With tears streaming down her face, lost in her own hellish nightmare, she didn’t notice all the bodies flying around as Zade tore through the technicians like they were dental floss. Didn’t hear his enraged bellows ordering them to stop. Pandemonium reigned as the crowd began to point and shout, finally drawing her attention. Following their pointing fingers, she turned her head just in time to see six armed guards running to intercept Zade before he could reach her. They barely slowed him down.

Wide-eyed, Ashlyn watched as he took a taser to the back. He stiffened, his face contorted with pain, but he didn’t stop. At last, he reached her side.

“Shenga.Please forgive me.” Chest heaving, fingers trembling, he reached for the wrist restraint nearest him. It didn’t budge. He pulled harder, his muscles bulging with effort. Still nothing. The veins in his neck stood out as he strained with all his might.

“I’m afraid they’re made ofVexiansteel. They will not bend or break, no matter how hard you try,” Izura informed him calmly, “and the sound adapter is on a timer.”

“Release my mate,” Zade growled, letting go of the restraints to stand to his full height. “We are done here.”

“But we have not yet begun. We are still in the preparation phase. Please,” she begged, her composure lost, “if she stops now..”

“I said we’re done,” he snapped, his body tensing like a tiger stalking prey, his molten eyes tracking the technician with deadly intent. “Get her out of there before I forget you’re a female and rip your throat out.”

Defiant tears in her eyes, Izura stepped bravely in front of the examination table, partially blocking Zade’s view. With trembling fingers, she removed her earpiece and held it out to him. “Please. Listen for yourself. Your mate is well. She is calming down.”

Zade glared menacingly but took the earpiece and fit it in his ear. “I don’t hear anything.”

“That is because she isn’t screaming. If you want to hear her breathing, turn up the volume.”

Zade adjusted the volume until he could hear a steady ebb and flow. Relief flooded his system. Dismissing the female with an order to get someone who could free his mate, he turned his back to her, his entire focus narrowing to Ashlyn. What had he been thinking to put her through that for even a single moment? He hung his head in shame. No male of worth would allow this to happen to his mate.

He covered her hand with his own, unflinchingly raised his eyes to meet her gaze. She didn’t look angry, but then, what did he really know about her? What did he understand? Nothing. “I do not deserve your forgiveness, and I will not ask for it, but know that I am truly sorry. I should have put your needs before my own. You never wanted the Council seat, yet I was focused on claiming you, on keeping both you and the seat for myself. I should have listened. Instead, King Dagan and I manipulated you into doing what I wanted. What I needed.”

He squeezed her hand, both frustrated and relieved that she could not respond. “I’m listening now. Someone will be here soon to get you out of there and you will go safely home. I promise.”

For the first time since taking her hand, she squeezed back. Hard. He squeezed again, his heart fracturing. She wanted him out of her life. He shuddered. So be it.

“Caldorian.”

Zade looked up, unfazed by the tightly leashed anger emanating from the doctor’s eyes as he approached. Zade cocked an eyebrow. He didn’t give afulackwhat the doctor wanted.

“I am Doctor Kubro. I understand you want your mate released from the exam. Is that correct?”

Zade didn’t bother with an answer. The pile of unconscious technicians lying strewn across the floor was testament enough as to what he wanted.

Dr. Kubro sighed. “Have you asked her if she wants the same?”

Frowning, Zade looked down at Ashlyn’s small, perfectly formed body. She was so tiny, lying helpless on the table. Vulnerable. Exposed. He shuddered again with renewed shame. “I don’t need to ask her. She told me what she wanted before we started.”

“Perhaps you should ask again, warrior. I don’t think she wants to stop.”

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