Page 45 of Pact with the Alien Devil

I’d been trying not to think about it, but this was all that was in my mind.

I wanted her to stay. I wanted her beside me. But I couldn’t ask that of her—not after everything she’d been through. She deserved to make this choice on her own.

“It would be beneficial for the Fangs,” I said carefully.

Iria snorted. “I didn’t ask what Alkard thinks. I asked what you think.”

“I think you’re skilled. Resourceful.” I met her gaze directly. “And unpredictable.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one I can give.” I stood, putting distance between us. “The choice is yours.”

Iria leaned back, her expression thoughtful. “It’s not a bad deal. Better than most I’ve had. But I’m not about to give up theStarfallor let anyone tell me where I can and can’t go.”

A rare flicker of amusement broke through my composure. “Alkard wouldn’t expect anything less.”

She was as stubborn as ever. But that’s what I admired about her. She didn’t bend. Not for me, not for anyone.

“And what about my other arrangement?” she asked, her tone deliberately casual.

“What arrangement?”

“With you.” Iria shifted closer, her gaze steady. “What about you? Do you want me to stay?”

My breath caught. For a moment, I considered lying—keeping the professional distance I’d maintained with everyone else under my command. But Iria deserved more than that.

“It’s your choice, Iria,” I said, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “But if you stay... you won’t be alone.”

The air between us grew heavy, charged with possibility.

“You should rest,” I broke the silence. “Take the bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

Iria’s lips curled into that wicked smile I loved. “You’re letting me have the bed? What happened to the cold, ruthless Vinduthi I met at the Dead Man’s Dock?”

“He met someone who makes him want to be better,” I answered softly.

She fell silent, and I felt the weight of my words settle between us.

I prepared the couch for sleep, removing my outer armor and stretching my sore muscles. My mind spun through the day’s events -- the battle, Raxin’s betrayal, watching Iria fight alongside me like we’d been partners for years instead of days.

She was reckless, infuriating, and impossible to predict. But she was also brave, loyal, and unlike anyone I’d ever met. I didn’t know what the future held for us, right now, I wasn’t afraid to find out.

The bedroom door slid open, and I looked up to see Iria standing in the doorway. She’d washed the blood and dirt from her face, but hadn’t changed clothes. Her hair fell loose around her shoulders.

“I can’t sleep,” she said simply.

I sat up. “Do you need?—”

She crossed the room before I could finish, bent down, and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss stole my breath, fierce and demanding. Her hands found my shoulders, urging me to stand.

“I’ve made my decision,” she murmured against my mouth.

“About the contract?” I pulled back slightly, needing clarity.

“About everything.” She kissed me again; her body pressed against mine. “Come to bed, Korvan.”

IRIA

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