Page 75 of The Alien in the Archive

“This is where you live?” he asks, his tone hovering between disbelief and pity.

“Yes,” I reply flatly. “Page says it’s ‘spooky’. Maybe I should add some skulls for effect?”

He smirks, letting out a genuine laugh. I gently prod at his mind, searching for if it’s real…and it is. He’s actually giving me the benefit of the doubt. “Page talks about you, you know. A lot.”

“Does she?” I settle back into my chair, trying not to feel too smug.

“Yeah,” he says, leaning forward. “Enough that I figured I should find out for myself if you’re worth her time.”

“And?” I ask, arching an eyebrow. “What’s your verdict so far?”

“You’re still on trial,” he replies, his tone sharp but not entirely unkind. “So, let’s get to it. What are your intentions with my sister?”

“My intentions?”

“Yes,” he says, crossing his arms. “You know, long-term plans? Goals? Are you stringing her along for fun, or is this actually going somewhere?”

It takes a moment to process the absurdity of this interrogation, especially when Page is so much more to me than any of that. We’re not ‘going somewhere’; fate has had us hurtling toward each other since the day we were born.

“Well,” I say, “I was thinking of keeping her around as my personal librarian-slash-blood donor, but now that you’ve brought it up, maybe I’ll upgrade her to co-conspirator.”

Riley narrows his eyes, clearly unimpressed. “You’re hilarious,” he says, leaning back in the loveseat. “But I’m serious. Page is…she’s been through enough. We had it rough growing up, and she busted her ass to get here. I don’t want her getting hurt.”

The edge in his voice isn’t surprising. He’s protective, and I can respect that, even if his delivery leaves something to be desired. I take a measured breath, considering my next words.

“I care about her,” I say finally, my voice quieter, the sarcasm gone. Riley’s expression shifts slightly, his skepticism softening. “I care about her more than I should. More than is safe.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

I lean back, my fingers drumming against the armrest of my chair. “Because if you think for one second I don’tunderstand the risks she’s taking by being with me, you’re wrong. I know what I am, and I know what it means to her.”

Riley studies me for a long moment. “And what are you?”

“A complication,” I admit. “A complication she chose, and one I’m trying very hard not to let destroy her.”

For a moment, there’s silence between us, broken only by the faint rustle of Ashlan leaping up to jump into Riley’s lap. Riley absently scratches the lumivix’s head, his focus still on me.

“She’s not just anyone to me,” I continue. “I’ve lived for centuries, Riley. I’ve seen empires rise and fall, and I’ve lost more than you can imagine. But Page…” I hesitate, hoping he understands that I’m serious. “She’s special. I’ve been taking things slow because I respect her. Because I care about her safety more than my own desires. And because I know what she means to you, as well.”

He blinks, clearly taken aback by the bluntness of my response. “Slow, huh?” he says after a beat. “Is that why she’s been blushing like a teenager every time I mention your name?”

I can’t help the smirk that tugs at my lips. “I don’t control her reactions.”

“No, but you seem to inspire them,” Riley mutters, shaking his head. “Look, I’m not here to scare you off. If you’re genuine, if you really care about her, then…fine. I’ll trust you. But if you hurt her?—”

“I won’t,” I interrupt, my voice firm. “Not intentionally.”

Riley studies me for another long moment, then nods, seemingly satisfied. “Alright,” he says, standing. “Then I guess I’ll leave you to your…curated chaos.”

He glances down at Ashlan, who chirps and nuzzles against his leg. “And maybe I’ll visit again. If only for this guy.”

Ashlan’s antennae brighten as if in agreement, and I scowl. “You’ve made a friend, it seems.”

“Yeah, well, he’s less prickly than you,” Riley says with a grin.

“Don’t push your luck,” I mutter.

But when I look up at him, he’s still smiling.

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