Page 41 of A Darkside Interlude

Beyond the landing-pad, a series of domed black structures rose out of the red sand. They were sleek and elegant and utterly alien, resembling the loops of some sinuous creature that was half-buried in the sand. The dusty ground rose into a low ridge, beyond which lay the outlines of various human-built structures. A sliver of green hovered on the heat-smudged horizon, promising a hidden oasis.

Never in a million years could she have imagined that such a place existed out here in the barren wastelands. It was inconceivable.

“Iskar, are you in charge of this place?” A little bit of awe crept into her voice, but Mari didn’t care. She loved unraveling the mystery that was this intense, stern-faced alien.

He chuckled. “I am not. My role is to oversee and co-ordinate the armed forces—mercenaries—operating on Earth, but I answer to a higher power. He and his unit stand alone; they do not answer to me.” The corner of his mouth quirked. “It is… complicated.”

“Huh.” Mari couldn’t imagine who Iskar might answer to. Who could possibly be more formidable than the man by her side?

Red dust swirled around their feet as the warm desert wind whipped at Mari’s hair. Iskar quickened his pace, and a sea of Kordolian warriors parted as they passed through, offering solemn salutes.

Holy moly. She was walking straight into a den of wolves.

The most amazing thing of all was that she trusted Iskar. She, a street thief who had long ago learned not to trust anyone, trusted this man.

“Where are we going?”

“Somewhere private,” he growled, “where you and I can be alone.”

Mari’s pulse quickened. “What about Artoo?”

“He is safe. The human women will take care of him. Knowing them, they will probably spoil him. Now come with me, Maribel, before I die from wanting you.” His hoarse confession sent a thrill of anticipation through her.

She could feel the intensity of his need. He was like a wire, wound so tightly he was about to snap. Tension resonated through his footsteps. It was in the hard lines of his body and in the gentle pressure of his arm as it tightened around her shoulders.

They walked across a straight black walkway that was several inches off the ground. It led to a windowless dome-like structure made of some seamless obsidian material.

At first, Mari couldn’t see a door, but when Iskar reached the edge of the structure, the wall unraveled, and thousands of metallic threads separated to form an oval-shaped entrance.

She gasped.

“After you.” He gestured toward the ominous entrance in a gentlemanly fashion. Beyond was a shadowy corridor. She couldn’t make out what was inside.

Mari froze. She turned and looked at Iskar, carefully studying his face.

I only just met you last night.

So much had happened since then. She’d been caught red-handed and forgiven, injured and healed, and abducted and rescued, all thanks to the man standing beside her.

The self-saboteur in her tried to plant the seeds of doubt. What if he’s tricking you? What if he wants to enslave you, just like that creepy rich man? You know what sort of reputation these Kordolians have.

Don’t be fucking stupid, Maribel. This is Iskar.

There was a reason she’d agreed to become his mate without a second thought.

But what about him?

“What do you see in me, Kordolian?” He was a powerful man with an army at his fingertips. She was just a street brat.

“A survivor. Someone who refuses to lie down and accept the fate that was forced upon her. A woman who is cunning, resourceful, and brave. A worthy mate.”

It was strangely humbling to hear this powerful creature speak of her in such terms, and then there was that expression on his face.

Savage. Possessive. Tender.

It took her breath away, and deep down in her heart, Mari understood that this man would never, ever hurt her.

She smiled, taking his hand as they stepped into the shadows.

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