Page 29 of Resisting the Alien Commander

I go on full alert. “Bizarre how?”

Quinn half shrugs. When he found out someone was killed during the explosion last night he was… shocked. Appalled even. Definitely in denial. As if we’d lie about something like that.”

“Did he say anything else?” Could this be a lead?

“Not really. He flirted, got shot down, and then took off at a near run when he found about about the dead Bohnari.”

Damn. That’s not really much.“Could you describe him?”

Quinn shakes her head. “Other than the fact he was Bohnari? No. He wore a hooded cloak that hid his features. I only got a quick glimpse of his hair and of course the skin on his hands and arms. Oh, wait. He told us his name, except it’s not coming to me. Liv might remember.”

My heart jumps at the news. If it’s not a name I recognize then it will prove that the rebels have managed to infiltrate the city. Or at least one of them has. We go back inside and head for the table where Quinn’s friend remains seated. Bannik has taken residence at the nearest table to theirs on the side closest to where Quinn had been sitting.

“Hey,” she says to the other female—Liv. “That guy who ran into you? Can you remember what he said his name was?”

Liv doesn’t have to think. “It was Janik.”

“You are sure?”

The female nods and blows out a harsh puff of air. “Positive. I don’t tend to forget the name of men who annoy me.”

“Thank you for the information.” I bow my head.

“Commander,” Erik calls out. “Your meal is ready.”

Frustrated that my time has been cut short, I glance at Quinn. “I need to speak with Alik. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

One side of her mouth curls. “You too.”

I pick up my bag of food from the counter and exit the establishment. A tugging sensation hits me hard enough to make me want to return to Quinn’s side. I push it way down, burying it so deep that it will be difficult to make its way to the surface again. Whatever is going on can’t happen.

More people traverse the streets now than they did on my way here. Protective instincts swell inside me. Not only for them, but for Alik. My cousin is a male of integrity, honesty, and one who genuinely loves his people and planet. On its heels is anger. No, rage. That there are some who would dare try to usurp him and his rule. Males like Janik who do nothing but destroy.

My pace quickens as I storm through the city, vengeance fueling my fury. I refuse to admit there’s lingering mating fever at work. The urge to claim Quinn and show anyone and everyone who dares look at her that she is mine. The sweltering heat I’d managed to cool bubbles up again.

This shouldn’t be happening so soon after taking as much kanet powder as I had. This is starting to resemble the reaction Alik had last night. I knew the plant wasn’t as potent for him, and his usage had increased, but to my knowledge he was the only one effected this severely.

Until now.

Until me.

Deep inside my pocket, the vial of kanet powder calls to me. I stop abruptly and take another dose, this one larger than the one outside of Erik’s establishment. The scalding heat burning through me comes to a pleasing warmth. Yet, I’m still more feverish than I should be. A glance at my arm and the dark coloring confirms it. I’m not sure the fever is hitting even Alik this hard.

Fuck.

The ride up the lift is excruciatingly slow. I exit, sweep past the guards without a word, and don’t speak to or acknowledge anyone else until I reach Alik’s suites. I beat on the door with my fist and enter without being given leave to or waiting to find out if my cousin is still in bed.

“Out.” I glare at the staff who are setting out his clothing.

They scurry through the doorway and close it roughly behind them. Alik stands in the center of the room wearing only a pair of briefs.

“You’ve been afflicted too.” It isn’t a question.

“I don’t understand.” How is this happening? Why?

“Neither do I. Whatever it is, it’s not good.” He strides forward and dons the pair of trousers left out. “Do we know if the fever has escalated in anyone else?”

“Not that I have heard. It appears to only be the two of us.” I cock my head. “Could it be our bloodline?”

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