Page 56 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
We wind our way down corridors that all resemble each other. Why we’re sneaking around is a mystery to me since we’re with Horek, but it’s obvious he’s trying to keep our departure from the palace quiet. Although, I suppose Janik isn’t anyone’s favorite person right now considering they believe him to be responsible for the deaths of a dozen fellow Bohnari.
The scent of spiced meat and baking bread grows stronger which means we can’t be far from the kitchen.
“Through here,” Horek directs us down a narrow passageway before he comes to a stop at a door and presses a button. “The service lift will take us to the base of the mountain. Once wereach the ground level, I’ll exit first and clear the area. You’re on your own getting through the city, so don’t get caught.”
Janik nods. His continue silence is scaring me since he’s never without something to say. Horek turns to me.
“You can’t go with him.”
I already knew this, but it still hurts to hear. “I know.”
The lift slows and then comes to a halt. The commander raises his hand to keep us back and we move to the farthest corner. The door opens and he steps out. I hold my breath while we wait for him to give the all clear. Only seconds pass before he beckons us forward.
“Remember what I said,” Horek begins.
Janik nods. “Don’t get caught.”
The commander nods and then moves a few feet away to give us some space and a modicum of privacy.
I lay my hands on Janik’s chest. “Please be careful. I can’t lose you.”
He tucks several strands of hair behind my ear. “You won’t.”
For a second, I hesitate to say anything, because I don’t want to worry him, but I also need him to take care. “I don’t trust your mother.”
He swallows and pain flashes in his eyes. “I know.”
I rise up on my toes to kiss him. He meets me partway and there’s such a bittersweet sensation filling me that I have to squeeze my eyes closed to keep the tears back. Janik doesn’t need to see them. I can be strong for now and break down whenhe’s gone. His arms go around me and he holds me tightly before finally releasing me. Words rise in my throat, but they get stuck.
“I love you,” Janik tells me, but before I have a chance to respond, he takes off down the street, blending in with the shadows until he disappears completely.
I close my eyes, gather my composure, and turn to Horek. “How about you tell me what the fuck happened back there?”
He continues staring at the spot where Janik is no longer visible for a second longer and then faces me. “Truthfully, I’m not sure.”
I narrow my gaze and fist my hips. “Tell me what youthinkhappened back there, then.”
This time, it’s not a suggestion.
A smile grin splits his lips despite the serious nature of the situation. “You are as demanding as my heart’s fire.”
“Then you know I’m not going to let this go without an answer. Or at least some kind of guess.”
Horek inclines his head. “It would appear as if the queen might suspect Janik of being her thought to be-deceased firstborn.”
“Barrik?”
“Yes.”
“Could that even be possible? I mean, if he’s dead, then how could Janik and he be the same person?” I glance up at the palace and replay that scene between the queen and him.
“Barrik’s body was never found. The elder female who’d been watching over him while the king and queen met with delegatesfrom Kovari reported being attacked. It was assumed the person made off with their son.”
I cover my mouth. “How awful.”
Horek agrees. “A search party set out and scoured every plot of land around the city and well into the rainforest, but they all returned empty-handed except for Barrik’s bloodied blanket.”
My heart aches for the queen. I can’t imagine what she went through.
