Page 20 of Alien Warlord's Fury

Claire nodded, though I sensed her impatience to continue our journey. Her fear for the captive younglings drove her forward, regardless of danger to herself.

We sat in silence, shoulders touching in our stone shelter. The tension between us had shifted—not disappeared, but transformed. Shared vulnerability had created a different kind of intimacy.

"Thank you," Claire said suddenly.

"For what?"

"For understanding." She met my eyes. "About the markings. About being afraid of your own power."

I inclined my head, accepting her words without comment. Outside, the last drops fell, leaving steaming puddles on the forest floor.

"It's safe now." I moved toward the entrance, offering her my hand. "We should continue."

Claire took my hand, her markings flaring at the contact. For a moment, we stood connected, silver and gold light mingling where our skin touched.

Then she released me and stepped out into the acid-scorched landscape. I followed, watching her navigate the treacherous terrain with growing confidence.

The storm had passed, but I sensed others gathering on our horizon—both literal and figurative. Whatever awaited us at Hammond's compound would test us both.

And the bond between us, still unacknowledged, would only grow stronger.

CLAIRE

The dim light of the cave cast long shadows across Nirako's face as the acid rain outside slowed to a drizzle. His eyes glittered in the darkness. The vulnerability we'd shared in our conversation hung between us, as tangible as the humid atmosphere.

I couldn't stop staring at him. His golden lifelines pulsed gently, a steady rhythm that seemed to calm my own erratic markings. Where did his energy end and mine begin anymore?

"Your markings," he murmured, breaking the silence. "They're steadier now."

I glanced at my arms. The silver lines had indeed calmed, no longer flickering chaotically. They traced elegant patterns across my skin, a soft, constant glow.

"Maybe they just needed a rest," I whispered, though I suspected his presence had more to do with it.

His eyes caught mine, and something electric passed between us. The cave suddenly felt much smaller. I was acutely aware of every inch of space between us, the heat radiating from his body, the way his chest rose and fell with each breath.

"Claire." My name on his lips sounded like a prayer and a warning all at once.

I shifted closer, drawn by some force I couldn't name. The memory of our almost-kiss after the lizard attack lingered between us, unfinished business demanding resolution.

"We should—" he started, but I never found out what we should do.

My hand moved, seemingly of its own accord, reaching up to touch his face. My fingers traced the scar that ran along his jaw, feeling the texture of it. His skin was warm against the cool cave air.

He froze at my touch, his eyes widening slightly. For a moment, I thought he might pull away. Then his hand covered mine, pressing my palm more firmly against his cheek.

"This is unwise," he murmured, even as he leaned into my touch.

"I'm not known for my wisdom," I replied, shifting closer until our faces were mere inches apart.

The tension stretched taut. I couldn't tell which of us moved first—maybe we both did—but suddenly his lips were on mine, and nothing else mattered.

The kiss wasn't gentle. It was desperate, hungry, the culmination of days of tension and fear and that inexplicable pull between us. His hand tangled in my hair, tilting my head back as he deepened the kiss.

My silver markings flared brilliantly, matching the golden glow of his lifelines as they brightened in response.

I gasped against his mouth as sensation washed over me—not just my own feelings, but his too. Desire, fierce and protective. Need, raw and overwhelming.

The bond between us opened wider than ever before, a flood of shared emotion that nearly drowned me.

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