Page 40 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
I come to an abrupt halt. “How dare you think I’m lying.”
“If it’s not you, then someone is.”
That’s what Olivia thinks, too. I don’t say it out loud though, because I still don’t want to consider she—and now Horek—is right.
“Come,” the commander orders like I’m one of his subordinates.
We continue on, at last entering the palace. I’ve thought of this moment for longer than I can remember. My entire life, really. Ever since my mother told me I was the one who was supposed to be sitting on the throne. It’s far more intimidating that I expected, but oddly there are hints of home and family present. Like pictures of the king and queen. Of Alik. Portraits hang everywhere, showcasing a loving family. At the base of the stairs is a picture of a single male. Before I know my own intent, I stand before it, studying the subject. Studying the king.
“Alik doesn’t have all day,” Horek says from a short distance behind me.
With great effort, I tear my gaze from the male who sired me—hatred burning in my belly—and join the commander. He doesn’t say anything else. Silently, we walk down passageway after passageway making so many turns there’s no way I’d be able to find my way back to the exit, which I’m sure is the intent. Guards patrols the hallways and by the time we’ve reached a set of double doors, I’m sure the entire palace knows I’m here.
The doors open and there, seated on the throne I’ve been fighting for, is Alik. He doesn’t rise. Merely beckons us forward with two fingers. The doors slam shut behind us and I whirl, prepared to be surrounded by guards, but only the three of us remain.
“So,” Alik draws out. “You’re the rebel who’s been causing me so much headache.”
I give him a mocking bow in return. “At my service.”
He glances at Horek with a smirk. One I’ve witnessed on my own face. “His arrogance wasn’t exaggerated.”
The commander grunts.
“I prefer the term confidence.”
“I don’t particularly carewhatyou prefer.” A thread of steel enters his tone and suddenly I’m awarethisis the prince speaking now, not Alik. “Now, tell me why you’re here.”
Chapter 17
Olivia
Something’s wrong with Mak. Ever since we got back from our walk an hour ago she’s been bouncing off the walls, whining and standing at the door. If she hadn’t done all her business while were were out there, I’d think she had to go.
Life has returned to as normal as it was before Janik kidnapped me. Except for the fact all the guards give me a wide berth now. Like they think I’m contagious with something. Surprisingly—but more so, annoyingly—I’m not bothered by the fact.
“I think I’m broken.” Mak’s the only one present and I need to talk to someone. Well, someone who won’t offer me advice I don’t want to have to take. If I ask any of my friends to come over, they’re all going to tell me the same thing and I don’t want to hear it.
“Why can’t I stop thinking about Janik? It’s not like I’m in love with him or anything. I barely like the guy. He’s far too arrogant.” I pace while I list all his flaws. “He’s a criminal for fuck’s sake. His mother is a raging bitch, although I supposethat’s not his fault. He’s a murderer. Okay, so maybe not intentionally. Jesus, why am I justifying this? He’s arrogant. Wait, I said that already.”
I stop in the middle of the room and glance over at Mak. “That’s it. I’m done thinking about Janik. I mean, he’s clearly done thinking about me. Three days and I haven’t heard a single word from him. He hasn’t even bothered trying to get you back. He and the rebels have their kanet powder. What else does he need from me?”
Okay, so maybe I do need Quinn to be here because I know I’m being irrational. It’s not like Janik can just waltz into the city without a care in the world to come see me. Not that I’m saying he wants to, but if he did, it’s not like he can. Heisa wanted criminal after all.
The knock on the door startles both of us. Mak’s already there, but I walk over and open it to find Devon.
“I think Janik’s here,” she says before I can greet her.
“What?” I search over her shoulder like he’s standing right behind her. “Where?”
“Notherelike in the building, but here, in the city. At the palace, in fact.”
My mouth falls open. “That’s impossible. How do you know? Did you see him?”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t, but a couple of the women were down in the cafe eating and I overheard them talking about some gorgeous Bohnari with tall, twining horns that swooped back walking with Horek through the city toward the palace. They’d never seen him before and he most definitely looked like he waseligible as a mate…their words. The only guy I can think of who has horns like that is Janik.”
Jealousy scorches through my veins at their description of him.
“C’mon, Mak.” I sweep past Devon with the phinnek right on my heels.
