Page 27 of Alien Boss. Human Pet

And then I see him.

Raekon stands at the altar, his human disguise flawless—broad shoulders, sharp jaw, that clean-shaven head I’ve come to love. But it’s his eyes that undo me. Those deep, crimson eyes, the one part of him the image inducer can’t hide. They’re fixed on me, burning with a intensity that makes my knees weak. His lips curve into a smile, wide and unrestrained, and I feel like I’m the only person in the room.

Pyke gives my arm a reassuring squeeze as we reach the altar. “Take care of her,” he says to Raekon, his voice thick with emotion. “Or you’ll answer to me.”

“Always,” Raekon replies, his gaze never leaving mine. He takes my hand, his grip firm and warm, and I swear I can feel the faint texture of his scales beneath the hologram.

The Vakutan priest steps forward, his human disguise flickering slightly as he begins the ceremony. He talks about the Precursors, about souls and Jalshagar, but I’m not really listening. I’m too busy staring at Raekon, memorizing the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles, the way his thumb strokes the back of my hand.

“Willow,” Raekon says, his voice steady and sure. “I vow to protect you, cherish you, and love you, for as long as I live. You are my Jalshagar, my soul, my everything.”

My throat tightens, and I blink back tears. “Raekon,” I begin, my voice trembling. “I vow to protect you, cherish you, and love you, for as long as I live.” I pause, a mischievous smile tugging at my lips. “And I just want to say—you’re the bravest man in the galaxy, marrying me.”

The room erupts in laughter, and Raekon’s grin widens. “Brave, maybe,” he says, teasing. “But also the luckiest.”

I laugh, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside me, and it’s just the two of us, lost in each other’s eyes. The priest says something about rings, but I barely hear him. All I can think about is how much I love this man—this alien, this warrior, this impossible, wonderful, infuriating Vakutan who’s about to become my husband.

CHAPTER 14

RAEKON

Ipull Willow in closer, my hand resting on the small of her back, the heat of her body pressing against mine through the layers of fabric. The lights of Penthouse 45 shimmer around us, the city skyline stretching out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows like a glittering canvas. She smells like jasmine and something uniquely her, and I’m already itching to tear this human disguise off and feel her skin against my scales.

"This has been the longest week in the history of ever," she murmurs, her voice a soft hum against my chest.

"It was you who introduced me to the human concept of keeping separate for several days before the wedding," I remind her, my voice low and teasing.

She tilts her head back, her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yes, I did. And why did you listen to me?"

Her question catches me off guard, and I let out a rumble of laughter that vibrates through her. "Because," I say, leaning down to brush my lips against her ear, "I thought it would make the moment I finally claimed you all the sweeter."

I feel her shiver against me. She reaches up, her fingers grazing my cheek, and I know she’s searching for the scales beneath the holographic illusion. "I can't wait until we're aloneand you can take this off," she whispers, her voice tinged with longing.

"I can't wait," I growl, my eyes burning into hers as my fingers trail down the delicate fabric of her dress, "until we're alone and I can takethisoff."

She laughs, a soft, musical sound that makes my scales itch with impatience. "Remember, I want to preserve the dress," she says, her grin widening. "No ripping it off of me."

I let out a mock growl, pulling her even closer until there’s no space left between us. "You're no fun."

Her lips curve into a playful smirk. "Aww, my poor horny Vakutan husband," she coos, leaning up to kiss the tip of my nose. "Tell you what, you can dress me up however you want when you get me alone—as long as you don’t tear my dress."

My brows arch, and I can’t help the predatory smile that spreads across my face. "Deal."

She laughs again, shaking her head. "What have I gotten myself into?"

I dip her suddenly, one hand supporting her back, the other still pressed firmly against her. Her eyes widen in surprise, and then she’s laughing again, her red hair cascading over my arm. "Into a lifetime of this, little flower," I command with an earthquake-like rumble. "And you wouldn’t have it any other way."

She’s still laughing as I pull her back up, her arms looping around my neck. "You’re right," she says, her grin softening into something deeper, more intimate. "I wouldn’t."

The music swells around us, but I barely hear it. All I can focus on is the woman in my arms, the way her body moves with mine, the way her eyes hold mine as if she’s trying to memorize this moment. I don’t need the city lights or the grandeur of Penthouse 45. All I need is her.

My fingers tighten on her waist, and I lean down, my lips brushing against hers. "Soon," I promise, my voice a hoarse whisper. "Soon, I’ll have you exactly where I want you."

She shivers again, her eyes darkening with desire. "I’m holding you to that, Raekon."

I smile, a slow, predatory grin that makes her breath catch. "Good."

The applause swells as we finish our dance, Willow’s cheeks flushed, her smile radiant. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look more beautiful. She’s mine. Officially. Unquestionably. And I’m hers—though I suspect she hasn’t fully grasped whatthatmeans yet.

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