Page 1 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
Chapter 1
Olivia
I’ve never been to an actual wedding before, and definitely not one held in a palace. As happy as I am for Quinn and Horek—and I truly couldn’t be happier for my best friend—there’s a small seed of envy that has rooted itself in my belly. Not because I wish it was me up there with Horek, but because Quinn didn’t even want to come to this planet in the first place, let alone get married. I, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to get away from Earth and find myself a husband. That’s the whole reason twenty of us humans are on Bohna, after all.
When a special address by the President popped up on one of the few digital billboards stating an advanced alien species was seeking women for a bridal lottery, I was intrigued. Especially when she mentioned that only women of child-bearing age from the bottom tier were eligible. I couldn’t sign up fast enough, even though I knew, at the time, that I’d be leaving everything—including Quinn—behind if I were chosen.
Cora sits beside me, and another ping of envy strikes. I have no desire for my own mother to be here, but I used to wish mine loved me as much as Cora loves Quinn. The womandidmove to an alien planet to be with her daughter because neither could bear to be separated from the other.
I shift my gaze to Horek, standing at the front of the coronation room, where he and Quinn are saying their mating vows before nearly the entire population of the capital city of Preska. There are perks to being the cousin of the prince and nephew of the queen. He’s the reason Cora was able to travel to Bohna. Horek did it to make Quinn happy. I love that so much for her. Selfishly, for me as well, because my best friend’s mom has always treated me like a second daughter.
I cast a glance around the room at all the Bohnari males present. Several of them have approached me over the last few weeks for a date, but sadly, not a single one caused that giddiness of a new crush. They’re nice guys, but something was missing with all of them.
“She’s glowing,” Cora whispers in my ear.
“That’s what love does to a person.”
“Still searching for the right one, are you?” Cora asks quietly.
“Yes.” An image of a Bohnari with a charming smirk and long, curling horns flashes in my mind. No, not charming. Cocky is more like it. Annoyingly cocky. I-want-to-wipe-that-smug-grin-off-his-face cocky.
Thankfully, the crowd cheers, signaling the end of the ceremony and distracting me from my thoughts, and I join in. Along with Devon and Lindsey, I rush forward and throw my arms around Quinn, tears filling my eyes.
“Congratulations, babe. You and Horek are absolutely perfect for each other.”
“Thank you for being the best friend I could ever ask for,” Quinn says.
“Be happy.”
Queen Veroneek stands next to Horek with a gracious smile.“Let us depart to the banquet room for the feast,” she calls out.
With a number of guards leading the way, everyone exits except the seven of us and Alik. Queen Veroneek steps forward to hug Quinn too. She speaks quietly and then releases her. The prince and she dip their heads, and they’re the next to leave.
Even though it’s only through marriage, Quinn’s related to both of them now. I don’t want to do anything that would make my best friend or her new husband look bad by committing some royal faux pas, though Queen Veroneek has been nothing but gracious since we arrived. I finger the necklace around Quinn’s neck. The same one I’d tried talking her into buying for herself the first day we arrived on Bohna.
“You know, I’m not one to gloat, but I told you you’d look amazing in this thing.”
She laughs. “We both know you’ve been doing nothing but gloating the last few weeks.”
I suck in an exaggerated shocked breath. “Not me.”
Quinn gives me a one-armed hug, since Horek holds her against his side. “I love you, Liv.”
Blinking back tears, I squeeze her hard. “Love you, too, Quinny.”
Finally, we allleave the coronation room as well and make our way to the banquet hall. Just as we reach it, I stop and swear.
“Crap, I need to go get something in my apartment.”
Devon gapes. “What in the world do you need this very second?”
I cast a devious glance Quinn’s way. “A mating present.”
My best friend lays her hand on my arm. “You didn’t have to get me anything, but since I know you’re going to say that of course you did, I won’t push the issue. Can you give it to me tomorrow?”
“Let’sjust say it’s something you two are definitely going to want tonight.” I waggle my eyebrows suggestively which makes Quinn turn beet-red.
She glances over at Cora and back at me. “Oh my god,I’m going to kill you.”
