Page 6 of Alien Prince Fake Fiancé

“All you have to do is say yes and choose one of those hunky warriors in there. Simple.”

Rachel made it all sound so easy, but Ashlyn wasn’t so sure. She looked up at the ceiling, absently taking in the alien writing on the metal-like beams. Aside from the blue stones they used as a light source, it was the most alien looking thing on the base, in her opinion.

Her mind was spinning, racing a hundred miles an hour as she dug through her memories of the one political science class she’d taken. She groaned as the enormity of what they wanted sank in. “Oh, shit! You’re talking about a real livecoup d'état. You want me to be at the helm of a freakincoup?! If they’re asbad as you say they are, then a temporary fake fiancé scheme won’t keep them from doing exactly what they’ve always done. We need a better plan.”

“First, everyone liked your plan.”

Ashlyn frowned in confusion. “My plan? What are you talking about? I never made a plan to stop evil, alien traffickers and steal an alien throne. I would remember that.”

“I know, but remember when you convinced me that we look enough alike that I could pretend to be you in gym class? You wanted to leave early to meet that guy you'd been crushing on, so we switched places.”

Ashlyn cringed at the memory. “We were in high school! The guy turned out to be a jackass, we got caught, and I was grounded for a month. What about that plan makes you think I can pull off a switch like that now?” Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “Against super advanced aliens?! Ohmygod”–she ran the words together– “Against aliensupervillains?!”

“This isn’t a movie. There are no flying men with capes, noIce Giants,and no silver bullets that kill vampires.”

“Werewolves, Rach.”

“What?” Rachel’s look of confusion was priceless.

“Werewolves. Wolfen. Whatever you want to call them. They’re allergic to silver. Not vampires. Vamps you kill with sunlight or a wooden stake through the heart.”

“You’re right. These are just dirty politicians, which means they’re powerful, devious and nasty on a whole different level. Plus, they have a lot of money and high tech weapons that could do a lot of damage to Earth and every other planet. We can’t let them get that seat. The Council ordered the annihilation of Lumeria, the whole planet. That’s what they do.”

Ashlyn grimaced, covering her stress with humor. “I don’t know. Kinda sounds like we’re talking about vampires. Fuckingcannibals. They probably eat children for breakfast and their enemies for dinner.”

Slowly she lowered her hand to gently rub her nephew’s back, unsure of who she was soothing with the motion, the sleepy baby or herself. “They could target Earth next. Or maybe they already have. That’s what you’re saying, isn't it? That’s why you sent the snake code? What happens if we fail?”

Instead of answering, Rachel stared at her. Rachel without an answer was never a good sign.Ooooh. Fuuuuuck.

“Ash, the fake fiancé plan is a good one, and right now the only way to prevent the Ubrions from reclaiming their seat is to transfer it to someone who has enough power and influence to hold onto the position permanently. Someone the Ubrions can’t buy off, manipulate or intimidate.”

“And you think that’s me?” Terror settled deep into her bones. Raw panic. “I have zero qualifications for this. We’re all going to die. The only power and influence I have is in the art world. Performing arts. Here. On Earth,” she said, stressing the last for greater impact.

“Not you, hon. A Caldorian prince, though, has a lot of power and influence. We’re talking about serious influence, Ash, and not just on Caldor. We considered trying to put a human woman permanently in Juliette’s place on the Councilwithoutthe help of the Caldorians. You could have a human fiancé, for example, but unfortunately, no human, male or female, has enough influence and power at that level to stay in power. You’d be dead in a week. Earth is still taking baby steps. We don’t even have a seat at the Council yet. It’s like we’re on planetary training wheels.”

“Training wheels. Got it.”

“Exactly. The Caldorians really are honorable, though. They know they need us just as much as we need them on this one. So, they suggested a compromise.”

Raising an eyebrow, Ashlyn took a guess. “What, they take the seat then give it back when Earth grows up and takes off its training wheels?”

Rachel snorted. “No. Didn’t think of that one.”

“What, then?”

“They proposed sharing the seat, co-ruling through marriage.”

“A fake marriage forever? Is that even possible with guys like that? I was serious earlier. I don’t think it’s in their genetic code to fake anything, at least not long term.”

“You’re right, which is why they proposed a real marriage forever. They are honorable. Your mate wouldn’t touch you until, or unless, you wanted him to.”

“Uh, sorry. I am not interested in an alien mate. Not after you and Sasha almost died. And you know I hate politics. I would suck at it.”

“Well, the option is there, if you change your mind. You could retain the Council seat, with more power than any president or king on Earth, and have a royal, alien for a husband.. ”

“I won’t.” She couldn’t keep a steady job. No way could she pull off something that permanent, plus falling in love with those aliens had nearly killed enough women already. Ashlyn did not want to be next on that short list.

Against her better judgment, she risked another peak at the lineup.God, he practically oozes with alpha male vibes and sex.Maybe, if it was just temporary, we could…NO!She lectured herself.You’ve been around enough Caldorians to know they play for keeps. Don’t tempt fate, even if he’syour hottest, most erotic, fantasy-man-come-to-life.

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