Page 13 of My Big Fat Fake Alien

“This is so messed up,” I mutter to the empty room, pulling the sheets tighter around me.

I stare up at the ceiling, trying to force my brain to work. Kirk Stevens—if that’s even his real name—is hiding something huge. A seven-foot-tall lizard man in his office isn’t exactly subtle. Myfingers twitch, itching to grab a spray can and tag something,anything, to work through the chaos in my head. But that’s not going to cut it this time. I need a plan.

The business card. I sit up, fumbling through the pockets of my hoodie until I find it. The thick cardstock feels heavy in my hand, embossed with Kirk’s name and number. I trace the edges, thinking. He gave me this after saving me from those creeps outside Area 51. He was charming, intense, and… God, he kissed me. My fingers brush my lips, and the memory sends a shiver down my spine.

But no. I shake my head, forcing myself to focus. This isn’t about the kiss, or the way he made my heart race. This is about survival. If there’s a giant lizard man running around, and Kirk’s connected to it, I need to expose him before he decides I’m a liability. But how?

I can’t go back to his office. He’ll be expecting that, especially after I tagged his precious Time Man of the Year portrait. Security’s probably tighter than a drum by now. I don’t have the skills to hack into his systems—that’s Madison’s domain—but I’ve got something she doesn’t: Nightbird.

The thought makes me sit up straighter. Nightbird’s not just a graffiti artist; she’s a persona, a mask I can hide behind. If I can use that to get close to Kirk without him knowing it’s me, maybe I can find out what he’s hiding. But how do I get him to trust a masked vigilante?

I glance down at the card again, tapping it against my palm. Kirk’s interested inme, not Nightbird. But if I play this right, maybe I can use that to my advantage. The idea feels slimy, like I’m setting a trap for myself as much as for him. But what other choice do I have? Wait around until he decides I’ve seen too much and comes after me? No. I’m not that kind of girl.

I grab my phone, pulling up the notes app. My fingers hover over the screen as I start jotting down ideas. I need to lure himsomewhere public but isolated, somewhere I can control the environment without raising suspicion. Maybe set up a meeting as Nightbird, then watch from the shadows and see what he does. If he slips up, if I can catch him with that lizard man, I’ll have proof.

But even as I type, a little voice in the back of my head pipes up.What if he’s not the bad guy? What if that lizard man—whatever it is—isn’t dangerous?I shut the thought down fast. Doesn’t matter what Iwantto believe. I saw what I saw, and I can’t afford to be wrong.

“This isn’t a job for Raven,” I mutter, tossing the card onto the nightstand. “This is a job for Nightbird.”

Now all I need is a plan to make it work.

CHAPTER 6

KARC

The secret elevator hums softly as it descends deeper than any human-built subway. I tap the control panel, shutting off the image inducer. The smooth human façade melts away, revealing my golden scales. The air smells faintly of brine and ozone as the elevator slows to a stop. The doors slide open, revealing the sleek, bullet-shaped shuttle waiting on its magnetic track.

I step inside, the shuttle’s interior lights flickering to life. The controls are familiar—centuries of training make it second nature. I punch in the coordinates for Veritas Base Alpha, and the shuttle lurches forward, accelerating to speeds no human vehicle could match. The tunnel blurs past, a streak of light and shadow.

Minutes later, the shuttle slows, and the tunnel gives way to the vast, shimmering dome of Veritas Base Alpha. The city beneath the waves is a masterpiece of Vakutan engineering—glass-like spires rise from the ocean floor, glowing with bioluminescent light. Ships glide through the water with the ease of fish, and the dome hums with energy. It’s been too long since I’ve been here.

The shuttle docks seamlessly, and I step out onto the platform. The air is cool, tinged with the faint tang of saltwater. I stride through the bustling corridors, my scales catching the light as I pass. Heads turn, salutes are offered, and I return them with a curt nod.

Captain Pyke’s office is at the heart of the base, a command center with a view of the entire city. The door hisses open, and I step inside.

Pyke stands by the panoramic window, his red scales gleaming in the soft light. He turns as I enter, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Karc. You’re late.”

“Not my fault the shuttle doesn’t break the sound barrier,” I reply, crossing my arms.

He grunts, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. “Sit.”

I don’t. “What’s so urgent you dragged me away from Giscard?”

Pyke leans on the desk, his voice low. “We believe Giscard’s onto you. He’s suspicious of your human cover.”

“Suspicious doesn’t mean he knows,” I counter, leaning against the wall. “I’ve been careful. He’s got nothing concrete.”

Pyke’s eyes narrow. “Careful? You let Blackbird see your true form.”

I bristle, my scales prickling. “She’s resourceful. I didn’t expect her to break into my office.”

“And yet she did,” Pyke says, his tone sharp. “We can’t afford mistakes like that. If Giscard finds out who you really are, the entire operation is compromised.”

“I can handle it,” I snap, my voice a low growl. “Giscard’s arrogant. He’ll underestimate me.”

Pyke’s gaze hardens. “Your confidence is noted, but orders are orders. I’m pulling you from the operation.”

My fists clench at my sides. “You’re making a mistake. I’m close to uncovering his plans.”

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