Page 40 of All You Need is Alien Love
“As I mentioned earlier, the first day of the Sanctioning Ceremony is known as the ‘languages of love’ trials. Earlier, you had the pleasure of witnessing the body language of love in the performances of our grooms. Now we shift gears to focus on the written language of love. It is customary for each partner to pen something romantic for their life mate. Some choose to write and sing a song. Others recite original poetry or tell a story of romantic triumph. Today, we will start with River’s composition first.”
My husband beams and grabs the mic from my grandmother.
“Thanks for that super amazing introduction, Nana Iris.”
My grandmother narrows her eyes atNana, and he unabashedly flutters his eyelashes back at her.
Galactic gods, how I love this cheeky man.
River clears his throat and speaks into the mic. “Hi, everyone. Thanks so much for being here today to witness the tort—I meantrialsof love and commitment Kai and I are navigating like we’re contestants onUltimate Beastmaster.”
I grin at him. Now that’s one show I actually enjoy watching with him. It sparks the competitive streak in me.
River winks at me knowingly. “I want to dedicate my composition for this special occasion to my boo, Kai Genaro. He’s my soulmate, my sexy, tentacled, love master, and he’s also my number one fan.” He blows me a kiss. “This one’s for you, sugar-boo.”
He begins to read from his tablet and immediately I’m grinning from ear to ear.
Because of course River would write me a Vardox and Starblade story. He knows just how to make me swoon. River strikes a pose, pauses for dramatic effect, and then starts to read.
“What do you mean, you’ve kidnapped the galaxy’s most preeminent pastry chef?” Starblade demanded.
Lord Vardox prodded the diminutive Tonok in question, who was currently trussed up like a sacrificial offering. The hairy and pink little chef’s wide, fearful eyes looked ready to pop out of his head.
Perhaps abducting him while he slept was a tad inappropriate. But it was all for a greater purpose, so Vardox dismissed the faint flicker of concern.
“Darling, I heard today is what you Earthlings call abirthday.” Vardox couldn’t help but chuckle in amusement. “Your species is so delightfully entertaining. Commemorating the occasion of one’s birth on an annual basis is highly illogical and ridiculously nostalgic.” He shook his head. “But never fear. I am a worldly, intergalactic supervillain, and I’m more than willing to follow the customs of my sweet captain’s people on such a special occasion.”
Starblade ran a hand over his face. “And what was the point of kidnapping this poor… individual?”
Vardox grinned, flashing his razor-sharp teeth and flicking out his forked tongue with obvious pleasure. “I thought you’d never ask, my sweet captain!” Vardox twirleda tentacle in the air with a flourish. “He’s here to make you an exquisite birthday cake.”
Starblade gaped at him.
Vardox smiled smugly. He’d thought of everything to make this day perfect. Wooing his sweet captain by celebrating this unusual human holiday could be quite ideal, and as soon as Vardox had learned of it, he jumped on the opportunity with alacrity.
Starblade hurried over to the trembling Tonok pastry chef and put a hand on his shoulder.“I’m terribly sorry about this, but my—” he darted a glance at Vardox “—acquaintance appears to have gone a little bit overboard. I promise we won’t hurt you.”
Vardox scoffed. “Acquaintance? Oh, my dear captain, that’s not what you were calling me last night when I had my tentacle in your?—”
Starblade lunged forward and covered his mouth with his hand. “Notonemore word,” he growled.
Vardox couldn’t help but shiver in anticipation. Herather liked it when his captain tried to get bossy with him.He could be quite charming when he was like this. Vardox would be sure to reward him for that later with an exquisitely painful but pleasurable punishment.
Starblade untied Vardox’s captive and the diminutive furry pink chef studied them both with obvious uncertainty as he stepped back.
Vardox sighed, pulling a slim card out of his cloak pocket and handing it to the Tonok. “Never fear. You’ll be paid quite handsomely for your work today and then transported home again.”
The chef gave him a dubious look until Vardox added, “There are 50,000 cosmic credits on this card.”
At that, the little man leaped into the air and snatched the card out of Vardox’s hand. After he quickly scanned thecard with a device on his wrist, he smiled to himself in satisfaction, and his attitude immediately changed.
He bowed. “My esteemed sir. Please show me the way to your ship’s kitchen, and we’ll discuss the type of cake you’d like me to make. I am entirely at your service.”
With eager strides, Vardox led him down the corridor of his ship and began to detail his vision for the extravagant cake. After all, his sweet captain deserved the very best and Vardox would make sure he got it.
Starblade trailed helplessly in their wake, unable to stop the space freight train that was Lord Loki Vardox.
While the chef began to work on the cake, Vardox stealthily procured some freshly made whipped cream and dragged his sweet Starblade back to his quarters. After all, they had at least two hours before the cake would be complete, and Vardox did not intend to waste such precious time.
