Page 42 of The Alien's Vicious Starflash Manor

“Dear Lord, Iz. The mankidnappedme.”

“I know, I know. And you’re right.” She shakes her head. “But I saw the way he kissed you in the Trasqo Market. And how you kissed him back. He may have brought you over here against your will, but you can’t tell me you don’t feel anything for him.”

“It’s fucking Stockholm Syndrome, that’s all.”

“You know that doesn’t exist, right? Stockholm Syndrome isn’t real.”

Izzy’s words are light, her tone teasing, so I respond the same way. I roll my eyes.

But I know my sister well enough to recognize when she is putting on a brave face. It’s the same thing she did after our mother died. It’s her coping technique.

I’m determined to make sure she doesn’t feel like she has to keep my spirits up. I’m also going to take her suggestion and get us back to our world as quickly as possible.

Back to the world where Caix magic might not mean anything.

Where I hope it doesn’t mean anything.

Where Ivrael won’t be able to get me.

CHAPTER 12

IVRAEL

Later that morning, I find Lara and her sister in the guest suite, both wearing dark silk robes.

The blue ribbons around Lara’s wrists catch the light from the Caixlights overhead, reminding me of my power over her.

Over both of them.

But mostly, over Lara.

At the sight, need surges through me, and my cock twitches. As I compel myself not to react, fighting to contain my inner turmoil, a touch of frost spreads beneath my feet and the temperature in the room drops several degrees.

The way Lara’s robe clings to her curves doesn’t help my control.

“We need to discuss your introduction to court.” Through sheer force of will, my voice remains steady.

Lara’s eyes narrow. Her arms cross over her chest, drawing the silk robe even tighter. “So you’re willing to talk about it now? Okay. What introduction to court?”

“Prince Jonyk is hosting a peace summit with the firelords. All noble houses must be represented.” I pause, studying her reaction. “You’ll both need to attend.”

“Like hell we will.” Lara’s chin lifts in that defiant tilt I’ve come to know well over the past year. The one that makes me want to grab her and?—

No. I slam those thoughts away. She is a means to an end. Nothing more.

The scent of her hair—honey and stardust and summer warmth—drifts up to me, and I have to fight to keep my hands from threading through those golden-red curls. To keep from yanking her head back and claiming her mouth with mine.

“What does that have to do with us?” Izzy asks.

“Everything.” I rest my hands on the back of a chair. “You carry royal blood. The last direct descendants of the true royal line.”

Izzy’s eyes go wide. “That’s not possible. We’re from Texas.”

“Your mother was more than she appeared.” I glance between them, forcing myself to focus on Izzy’s confusion rather than Lara’s allure. “Her family fled Trasq, hid on Earth. But the blood of Caix kings runs in your veins.”

“So it was our mother.” Lara’s voice trembles slightly.

“But…we’re part human, too. Right?” Izzy frowns. “From what Lara tells me, the Ice Court isn’t likely to want a part-human queen.”

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