Page 6 of Shadowed By the Alien
“I don’t know.”
There’s sadness in those words which only raises more questions about Ren.
“Would you like me to finish escorting you to your cousin’s, or do you prefer to proceed alone from here?”
“Why do I have a feeling that even if I go alone, you’ll be nearby watching me?”
RENIKK
My efforts toremain hidden have failed. I’m not sure what that will mean after I report in tonight. I wish nothing more than to tell her the truth, but I cannot. Not if I hope to salvage my mission.
“I will keep you safe. Always,” I tell her. Because it’s the truth. Despite what happens later tonight, protecting her remains paramount above all else.
“That’s very sweet of you, Ren, but I’m not sure what to say. You’ve been stalking me for months, and I only just met you.”
“You are right, but it doesn’t change my mission.”
“Mission?”
“To watch over you.”
“Like a guardian angel?” A smile crosses her face. My female—Drekk, I should not think of her thus—has many beautiful smiles, all unique, but this one is the best I’ve ever seen, because it’s for me.
My horns rise as I realize the danger of becoming more involved with her than I already am. I should keep my distance, walk away.
Except this unrelenting pull to her won’t allow me to.
And, of course, I have my orders.
“Since you’re already here, you might as well escort me to Noah’s. And perhaps stay for a while. I’d like to get to know you better.”
“Spending time with you would please me. Very much.”
“Great! Then let’s start over. Maybe if I’m clever enough, I’ll get you to reveal some of those answers you’re so cagey about.”
She is clever enough. Which worries me.
“My name’s Raven,” she begins, placing her hand on my forearm. I’m memorizing the sensation of her delicate touch, so I may relive this moment over and over after tonight.
“Yeah, I know Raven’s an unusual name, but I was born a few days before Halloween and Dad thought it would be cool to give me a name that reflects the holiday. That, and Mom’s a poetry buff who lovesThe Ravenby Edgar Allen Poe.”
I can’t help myself. I let my fingers sift through the dark, silky strands of her hair. “It’s quite fitting, given how black your hair is.”
I snatch my hand away, remembering my place. I’m not to touch her, despite my body’s urges. She’s an addictive drug; if I’m not careful, I’ll endanger her.
“That felt nice. Why did you stop?” she asks.
“You did not grant me permission.”
“That’s so gentlemanly of you. Most of the males I grew up with feel entitled to take what they want from a woman.”
“That is not the worst of the Coalition’s legacy.”
“True. I heard of women kidnapped and sold off to aliens. I can’t imagine that horror.”
My horns rise. “You fear aliens?” Her opinions matter to me, but I cannot change who I am, even for her.
“I misspoke. I only meant being sold off is horrible. To a human or alien doesn’t really matter. But those women were taken from Earth, to strange new worlds with no hope of returning.”
