Page 54 of Invasion of Sorority Z

And technically, they’re Marrec’s cousins.

Part of the reason his family was able to escape when their planet was invaded and taken over was due to their ties to the royal family. All of the royal family were able to escape, except for theirRu’leen. Their prince. The only son of the former king and queen, left behind accidentally, only to be tortured for years on end by the leaders of the invading aliens. His name is V’arin, and he apparently hasn’t left the palace since Marrec rescued him.

“I can’t wait to show the girls this,” I tell him. “Humans go to places like this for vacation. It’s like visiting paradise, isn’t it?”

“I will be truthful, my mate. I remember it being much more beautiful, but it cannot compare to the immense beauty I see in your lovely face. I believe you have ruined them for me.”

My lips part, heat traveling to my face. “You’re just being sweet.”

His head shakes. “I am not sweet, I am only honest.”

“You’re sweetandhonest.”

“If you insist.”

“I do.”

His smile matches mine. “I will show you some more of the city next. Only a bit of it, though. I wish to have you to myself again.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Marrec, there literally isn’t anyone around.”

He sighs. “There will be.”

It doesn’t take long for me to see what he means. The city streets are busy, full of Aprixian people, young and old alike.

“Wow,” I murmur, shifting close to Marrec to take up less room on the walking path.

My eyes wander aimlessly, taking in the high stacked buildings, and the architecture of this place. It’s like a contemporary art deco mashup. Lots of intricate metals but also an overall clean and sleek look.

I’m about to mention my thoughts to Marrec when I stiffen, noticing how many people have their gazes glued directly on me.

“Everyone is staring at me,” I croak, keeping my voice low.

“You are very different to them,” he tells me softly. “Similar, but not in ways that they have had time to recognize yet. You are a marvel, they do not mean disrespect, my Stee-vee. They would not continue to have their eyes settled in their heads if they did.”

I laugh, unable to help it. “You’re crazy.”

“Crazy for my mate,” he agrees, leaning forward to kiss my neck. “Mad with affection for her. Insane with devotion to her.” With each sentence, he peppers a peck to the side of my throat. “Out of my mind with passion toward her.” A longer kiss. “It is a welcomed lunacy, I assure you, little blossom.”

“What if I told you that I was crazy for your co—”

My mate shuts me up with a searing press of his lips to mine, and I laugh into the kiss. He knew exactly what I was going to say, likely just from seeing the gleam in my eyes or the smirk on my mouth.

“No teasing in public, huh? Maybe I should get you home then, hm?”

“I will getyouhome, my merciless mate. I will show your lips why they mustn’t taunt their male.”

“Oh yeah?”

He scoops me up into his arms. “Yes.”

“Take me home, please.”

“We have one more stop, my mate. I will make it quick.”

I try not to squirm, pushing away the need to push him into a wall and have my way with him this very second. “And do you plan to carry me to this stop?”

He shrugs. “I do.”

---