Page 1 of Krin

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Krin

IN ALL MY TIME AS AProtectorate warrior, I had never witnessed attacks against the royal family.

In fact, peace had prevailed in the Alaran Empire for the last one hundredtenri.

But since our return to Alara due to Trex’s father’s unexpected death, we had faced a range of troubles.

Including the attempted assassination of Trex when we arrived.

Not to mention the incident involving the abduction of Grace, Trex’s K’sha, which fortunately concluded with her safe recovery and the discovery of his father’s killer.

The root cause of all the recent troubles was due to two races that did not belong in Alaran space.

A shape-changing enemy we referred to as the Unknown, who had allied themselves with the Krilex, a corrupt reptilian group of aliens from the Ashrak cluster.

One of the reasons I had delayed leaving Alara was because I wanted to protect a particular human female, and could not bear the thought of leaving her behind.

Riley stirred something in me I never believed was possible. And now, despite my anticipation of returning to space, I couldn’t shake the fact I wanted her to leave Alara with me.

Which, of course, would be selfish on my part.

My chest tightened as my mind flashed to the attractive, dark-haired female.

It had been many rotations since her rescue, and I had hoped to be more comfortable speaking to her by this point.

There were things I wanted to say to Riley, yet I failed to do so each time we spoke.

Several times since meeting the incredible female, when I’d been in her presence my mating marks on my biceps began to itch as if trying to activate.

My mind still had a hard time accepting what my heart already knew.

That Riley might truly be my K’sha.

It did not seem possible that both Trex and I would find our fated mates when so many other males had not.

That did not stop me from hoping it was true.

Regrettably, my last conversation with Riley failed as badly as the previous ones. Prior to Trex and Grace’s bonding ceremony, I approached her, intending to ask about her plans now that she was on Alara.

It was a struggle to find the perfect words as my heart raced when I stared into her brown eyes. Her soft, flowing hair framed her stunning face as it cascaded over her shoulders. Her sweet fragrance brought Qtara flowers to mind.

I wanted to tell Riley how much I desired her, but nonsense came out of my mouth instead. Then I began to overthink everything.Flutzing grikthat I am, the next words out of my mouth were that I was looking forward to being back on patrols along the trade route.

Right away, I sensed a wave of disapproval from her. I watched as Riley’s mouth contorted and she swiftly spun around, muttering something I only partially heard. It was clear my remark upset her, since she stormed off with her hands clenched into fists.

We avoided one another after that.

Forcing my thoughts back to the present, I smiled as I faced King Trex’Ul. “It is quite unexpected to see you so soon after your bonding ceremony.”

A slow, warm smile spread across his face. “My intention is to return to my K’sha right after we are done speaking.” His smile widened. “Before you leave Alara, I wanted to have a conversation with you.”

He sat back in his chair. “You must be looking forward to returning to the Chetok, and being on patrol.”

I nodded. “I am.”

“Good. That’s good news,” Trex acknowledged. “There is something I want you to do before you leave,” he declared.

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