Page 43 of Alien Prince Fake Fiancé

“But..”

“They knew I'd already been inside you after the first scan. They continued because they wanted a show.” Zade squeezed gently, careful not to show his rage. The Council was full of voyeurs, and they’d jumped at the chance not only to watch her be pleasured, but to watch his every reaction. Only an iron will had kept him from showing any emotion.

He normally wouldn’t mind others watching him please her, and Caldorians traditionally asked close friends to witness claiming ceremonies, but this was different. Those watching today had not done so in friendship, with joy in their heartsfor the couple joining their lives. They’d watched in an effort to humiliate and intimidate.

Ashlyn eyed him warily.

Zade whispered in her ear, “I should not have done as I did earlier. I knew our coupling could result in a child. I still want that. I know you do not want the same; you no longer want me. There is still time to stop this. We can still forfeit.”

He carried her all the way outside without her saying another word. He didn’t stop until he was well clear of the building, then looked up at the sky. He knew Bren would be monitoring the situation from his ship.

“Oh my god. What’s happening?”

“Transport.” Zade relaxed for the first time that day as Ashlyn shrieked in panic. He was used to the tingling sensation of quantum particle transport, but she probably found it unnerving. He didn’t have time or the patience to explain the process to her. Not with everything they’d just endured.

Once aboard his ship, he took her directly to his quarters. She would be much more comfortable there, and they could talk without fear of being overheard. He lived on the ship most of the time, and as the Commander, he was afforded the best living space, with multiple rooms, including a large bedchamber, bathing room, dining area with a food synthesizer programmed with all his favorite foods, an exercise and entertainment room, and a workspace.

He’d never cared what anyone thought of his quarters, but he found himself hoping Ashlyn would like them as he set her down on one of the large sofas in his entertainment room. Throughout the room, interactive art installations and cultural artifacts provided glimpses into his native Caldorian history. He also had a good number of creative pieces collected during visits to other worlds. The intricate sculptures, holographic paintings,and kinetic installations were changed weekly by the artificial intelligence units provided to every crew member.

Zade mentally cataloged what she would see in the other rooms; each was a blend of luxury, functionality, and cutting-edge technology–his sanctuary as well as a secondary command center. There were integrated environmental controls allowing him to adjust temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition for optimal comfort and well-being.

In his workroom, control panels were mounted on the walls, allowing him to monitor the ship's vital systems at all times, communicate with the crew, and access mission data. A multifunctional workstation with holographic displays facilitated strategic planning, data analysis, and communication with other ship departments or external contacts.

The dining room was big enough to accommodate a small party of twelve, with two food synthesizers and a large floating chandelier. He rarely used the table, as he much preferred eating in one of the large, casual dining rooms with the crew.

He had a compact gym for physical exercise and stress relief during long missions, or for when he didn’t want to join the rest of the crew in one of the larger facilities. The space included a small water therapy area in case he wanted to soak tired or sore muscles. The gym utilized advanced resistance bands, weightless training modules, and virtual reality simulations, ensuring peak physical condition despite the challenges of space travel.

His bedchamber was his favorite place. The large bed, positioned against one wall, had ultrasoft sheets designed for zero-gravity environments. Should the ship’s artificial gravity malfunction, he wouldn’t float out of bed. The frame was simple and integrated with the room's aesthetic, featuring a combination of polished metallic elements and soft, ambient lighting that could be adjusted according to his preferences.A panoramic viewport offered breathtaking views of space. He could alter the view with a landscape of image from anywhere he wished. Since his ship was sometimes in dock, or in close proximity to other vessels, the viewport came equipped with privacy shutters that could be activated for moments of solitude or rest.

Ashlyn looked around hesitantly. “Zade, what are we doing here?”

Her eyes, pools of vulnerable chaos, held him captive. She was still angry with him. “I couldn’t tolerate seeing you on that exam table another second, and if I am to be rejected, I would prefer privacy,” he admitted ruefully.

Ashlyn shifted uncomfortably. Except for the sheet, she was still naked. She wanted to have a rational conversation, but, in spite of her anger, her traitorous body wanted something altogether different. The stimulant was fading quickly, although even the trace was enough to make her wild.

Zade left the room, returning with a plush burgundy cloth trimmed in black. She stood up to let Zade wrap it around her before allowing the sheet to drop to the floor. When the metamaterial did not automatically adjust in size and shape, she frowned in confusion. “I think it’s broken.”

He chuckled and secured the ends for her, tying a knot above her breast, sarong style. “I believe you have become accustomed to materials that are programmable. A good portion of mine are custom made and do not adjust. My mother’s people, the Saltrec––or Stone People––rarely purchase metamaterial, as the technology embedded inside breaks down too quickly due to constant exposure to extremes in temperature.”

“That’s not why you keep your weapons visible, though, is it?” She resisted the urge to reach out for him. He looked good enough to eat. The scent of citrus and wood tantalized hersenses.And Zade. Everything smells like Zade.She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her heart aching.

He played with long strands of her hair; his gaze intense. Hungry. “Not entirely. No. You have good instincts,shenga.”

“I told you not to call me that. It could be a psychotic ax murderer, for all I know.”

Chuckling at her absurdity, he asked, “What do I get if I tell you?”

“Nothing.”

His lips quirked sadly. “As you wish. I will tell you, nonetheless. Ashengais a creature similar in appearance to your largest felines, only slightly larger, with a spiked tail and venomous bite. They are one of the wildest, most dangerous creatures on Caldor. Extremely intelligent and cunning, they will kill you if they find you anywhere near their territory.”

His hand left her hair to reach out and gently tilt her chin up, forcing her to look at him. When her eyes locked with his, he traced her lower lip with his thumb. “But if you can get one to trust you, to form a bond with you, then they will be yours forever. They will fight to the death to protect you, follow you into unspeakable danger. They will love you above all else.”

She tensed. "Stop. I’ve heard enough."

Zade pressed on, his chest tight with emotions he’d never felt before. Was it too late for them? Had he truly ruined his chance with her? He had to try. His lips lightly grazed hers before he continued, “There is only one way to earn their love and trust. Would you like to know what that is?”

“No. Not particularly.” She bit the inside of her lip. Why did all things alien have to be so fascinating? She shouldn’t let him draw her into the story. Shouldn’t let him prod her curiosity. She was angry and wanted to stay that way. Crossing her arms defensively, she blurted, “Probably something dangerous and stupid.”

---