Page 44 of Grumpy Alien Billionaire

I bare my teeth, my claws flexing. “We’ll see about that.”

The Grolgath laughs, its form shimmering as it prepares to strike again. But I’m done playing its game. I charge, my body a blur of red scales and raw fury. This time, I’m not holding back.

The Grolgath’s taunts are cut short as something small and metallic whizzes past my head and smacks it square in the back of the skull. It doesn’t hurt the thing—nothing short of a plasma blast will do that—but it’s enough to make it flinch. I glance over my shoulder and see Tyler, her arm still extended, holding the other half of the electric fur trimmer like a weapon. Her face is pale, but her eyes are fierce.

“Nice shot,” I say, grinning despite the chaos.

The Grolgath snarls, its form rippling as it turns to face her. “You little?—”

I don’t let it finish. I surge forward, my fist slamming into its chest with enough force to send it flying. It hits the back wall with a wetsplat, its body flattening like stretched-out chewing gum. It writhes, trying to reform, but I’m already moving. I scoop up the laser pistol from the floor, my fingers curling around the grip.

“This ends now,” I growl, leveling the weapon at the Grolgath.

It sneers, its face contorting into something grotesque. “You think you’ve won? You’re just delaying the inevitable. The Coalition will?—”

I pull the trigger. The laser bolt hits it square in the chest, and the Grolgath lets out a guttural scream as its body disintegrates into ash. The air smells of ozone and burnt flesh, and for a moment, the room is eerily silent.

I drop the pistol and turn to Tyler. She’s still crouched behind the counter, her hands trembling, her eyes wide with shock. I cross the room in two strides and pull her into my arms, holding her tight against my chest. Her heart is racing, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps.

“I’ve got you,” I murmur, stroking her hair. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”

She clings to me, her fingers digging into my scales. “Lanz, I—I thought it was going to kill me. I thought?—”

“Shh,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. I love you, Tyler. I love you so much. I’ll never let anything happen to you. Not ever.”

She pulls back slightly, her eyes searching mine. “How did you know? How did you know I was in danger?”

I cup her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away her tears. “I just knew. I felt it. Like a pull, deep in my chest. I couldn’t ignore it.”

She frowns, her brow furrowing. “But how? How could you justknow?”

I smile, my heart swelling with a warmth I’ve never felt before. “Because you’re my soul mate, Tyler. My Jalshagar. Two bodies, one soul. I’ll always know when you’re in trouble. I’ll always come for you.”

Her eyes widen, and for a moment, she just stares at me, her lips parted in surprise. Then she smiles, a soft, trembling smile that makes my chest ache. “Lanz, I?—”

I don’t let her finish. I kiss her, long and deep, pouring everything I feel into it. She melts against me, her hands sliding up my chest to wrap around my neck. When we finally break apart, she’s breathless, her cheeks flushed, her eyes shining.

“I love you too,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “I don’t know what that means yet, but I know I do.”

I pull her close again, resting my chin on top of her head. “We’ll figure it out together. I’m not going anywhere, Tyler. Not ever.”

CHAPTER 21

TYLER

I’m pacing the living room of Lanz’s penthouse, the hardwood floor cool under my bare feet. The city lights outside the floor-to-ceiling windows blur into streaks as I turn sharply, my arms crossed tight over my chest. Lanz sits on the edge of the sleek charcoal sofa, his golden eyes tracking my every move. He’s in his human disguise, but I can still feel the weight of his Vakutan intensity.

“I’m not just going to sit here and do nothing,” I say, stopping mid-pace to face him. “Gordo’s missing, and you’re stuck because the Grolgath can sniff you out. But they don’t know me. Not really.”

Lanz leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “They know your face, Tyler. They know you’re with me. It’s too risky.”

“And what, you’re the only one allowed to take risks?” I shoot back, my voice rising. “You’re out there every day, putting yourself in danger, and I’m supposed to just… what? Stay here and look pretty?”

He stands, his towering frame casting a shadow over me. “You’re not just ‘looking pretty.’ You’re safe. That’s what matters.”

“Safe?” I step closer, tilting my head back to meet his gaze. “Safe doesn’t mean anything if I’m just sitting around waiting for something bad to happen. I’m not a damsel in distress, Lanz. I can help.”

His jaw tightens, and I can see the conflict in his eyes. He wants to protect me, but he also knows I’m right. I press my advantage.

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