Page 33 of Alien Prince

In fact, he’ll be more of a liability if he can’t get his shit together. If I can’t shake this fatigue, I’ll be the liability.

Raif’s laugh echoes through the hallways, and Ky growls.

I can’t deny the sound sends a rush of desire through me, a delicious shiver coursing down my spine, but I don’t have time to dwell on the sex appeal of Ky’s newfound pipes.

I wriggle in his grasp, the rush of blood and warmth coming back into my limbs. Well, the ones that aren’t upgraded, anyway.

“Put me down,” I bite. The need to feel the ground beneath my feet is overwhelming. The last time I was carried off because I couldn’t walk, I ended up in Ky’s closet, and while there’s nothing more I’d love than to rub up on my mate like a cuddly kitten, I need to lead.

Raif isn't a terrible soldier, but he isn’t the man who leads attacks. He’s the one who carries out the commands, and Ky—

“No,” Kyron’s voice is solid and unwavering. Commanding, even. It both pisses me off and makes me want to melt; hearing him like this. But I need my wits about me. I need to guide us to safety.

Especially after they both risked their lives to keep me safe.

My throat constricts as I worry the Queen is lodged somewhere in me still. Lying in wait like a deadly parasite, waiting to strike. I am tense.

“I said,” I writhe again, twisting as I push away from him, and he nearly drops me, but his grip is too good. “Put me down!” I’m aware I sound like a petulant child, but I’ve never been a damsel in distress, and I’m not about to waltz into base being carried bridal style by an alien prince.

He barely resists when I kick out of his grasp, falling to the floor with a thud.

“Gemma!” Concern laces his voice. I pick myself up, relishing in the feel of my body beingmineonce more.

“Not now, Ky,” I tell him as I stumble about, Raif scoffing at me in annoyance.

“Good to see someone’s back to her old self,” he nips, and I shoot him a glare as I force myself to take a few wobbly steps from the slight numbness in my human foot.Probably because your fucking arm cut off my circulation.

Ky doesn’t say anything, but his dark chuckle is not missed. Once I’m sure my blood is pumping, I take off for the lead, Raif grumbling behind me.

I wind my body through the corridors and pathways; the way to base nothing more than muscle memory.

Chapter Fourteen

Kyron

We finally make it to the underground base. The air is thick with tension and smells of mold and decay. Raif leads the way, while Gemma forces herself to stand and walk on her own. She looks as physically stable as a leaf in a storm, and I try to make it look like I’m a love-sick puppy constantly touching her, when in reality, I'm supporting my mate.

Gemma, are you okay?I ask telepathically, my concern laced with the mental connection we share. Her determination is admirable, but I feel the tremors running through her body. Every step she takes is a testament to her willpower, and it makes me love her even more.

Perfectly fine, she responds, her mental voice strong despite her physical weakness.Fine enough to climb you like a tree later.

I can't help but chuckle inwardly.Is that a promise or a threat?I tease, my mental tone light and flirtatious.

Maybe both,she shoots back, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips.Depends how well you hold up under pressure.

Oh, I can handle the pressure, Gemma. You know that.I flirt back, my eyes twinkling with mischief.Question is: can you keep up with me?

Keep up with you?She scoffs mentally, though I sense the playful challenge in her mind.Ky, I've been keeping up with you my whole life. You're the one who needs to keep up with me.

I catch her eye and give her a reassuring smile, which she returns weakly. As we enter the dimly lit chamber, a wave ofunease washes over me. These are enemies, and for the first time in my life, I feel genuine fear. The walls seem to close in, and the air is heavy with anticipation.

Stay close to me, I tell her mentally, my protectiveness flaring up.I won't let anything happen to you.

I can take care of myself, she replies, but there's a softness to her mental tone that tells me she appreciates my concern.These people are family. But thanks for the backup.

Always, I respond, my mental voice filled with affection.Now, let's get through this so you can make good on that tree-climbing promise.

Deal, she agrees, Her mental laughter ripples through our connection, easing the tension I didn't realize I was holding.But remember, Ky, I'm the one in charge here.

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