Page 50 of Resisting the Alien Commander

The mating fever is burning out of control within him. I fear it’s only a matter of time before it consumes him, and I’ll be forced to do what I have to, no matter how much it will destroy me. I’m already imagining the devastating effect it will have on my aunt.

“There is nothing more I want in this world.”

“I am happy for you, cousin.” Alik claps my shoulder.

The urge to caution him about what he’s doing to himself rises, but I know it’s no use. No one on Bohna is more stubborn than my cousin, and it’s becoming clear he’s determined to let the madness take over. I don’t want this day ruined with an argument or harsh words spoken between us.

“Thank you.” I reach into my pocket and finger the item stowed inside.

“Are you ready to make Quinn your mate?”

“Yes.”

“Let us go then. Your heart’s fire awaits.”

Together, we leave his rooms where I got dressed and head to the coronation room where the mating ceremony will take place. Everyone from the High Council is in attendance, as well as all the human females and half the population of Preska. A few high-ranking officials from the various cities around the planet are also present.

While I’m not royalty by title, I am technically Alik’s heir, and nephew to the queen which offers me a few benefits the rest of the citizens don’t have. That includes a royal mating ceremony and all the pomp and circumstance that comes with it. If it were up to me, Quinn and I would have a private ceremony with only the two of us, Alik, Queen Veroneek, and Quinn’s mother. But this is for my heart’s fire. She deserves the best.

I might also want to present my mate in front of our entire population, so they know who she belongs to.

My fangs ache with the continued need to bite her. I’ve been holding off until we were officially mated, even though Quinn’s begged me more than once to mark her. It’s taken all I have not to comply with both our wishes, but I’ve also enjoyed keeping her on the edge of want.

Alik and I enter the coronation room and head to the front where the queen awaits. Conversation quiets, and a stillness falls over the room. Moments later, two guards open the doors at the back of the room, and in walks my heart’s fire with her mother at her side and the largest smile across her lips. Our eyes meet and everyone else disappears.

I can’t take my gaze off Quinn as she strides forward looking stunning in her traditional Bohnari garb. The shimmering teal and copper fabric encases her body perfectly and accentuates all her curves. Enough of her flesh is bared to tempt and tease. Her hair is plaited and coiled up on the top of her head in a fancy design that showcases her long, slender neck and taunts me by exposing the exact spot where I wish to mark her. My body heats and I can feel the fever’s effects, the feral need to mate, but I control it.

It takes far too long for her to reach me, but at long last, she does. Tears sparkle in her eyes, and if not for the fact she told me they are tears of happiness, I would be worried.

“You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.”

“So are you.”

I’m not, but she believes it to be true. My face is too harsh and severe to be beautiful, but Quinn has said it’s a face she loves to gaze upon, so I don’t refute her words.

Queen Veroneek speaks, but whatever she says is lost to me. My sole focus is on my heart’s fire. The ceremony continues until, at last, the queen clears her throat. I blink to attention and glance at her. She nods and I reach into my and withdraw the item I’ve had in my possession for weeks.

“My heart’s fire, please accept this mating gift as a sign of my devotion.” I reach forward and clasp the pikela stone necklace around Quinn’s neck.

She glances down at it and gasps. Her head snaps up and she lays her palm over the piece of jewelry she admired in the market square the day of her arrival on our planet.

“How?” She whispers. “When?”

“The moment I saw you staring at it, I knew it belonged to you. Like Olivia said that day, there is no one else it was made for. I went back later and purchased it, because deep down, I think I knew you were my mate and I wanted you to have it.”

The happy tears spill down her cheeks and she rises up on her toes to kiss me. “I love you so much. Thank you for the gift. I’ll treasure it forever.”

“As I will treasure you.”

With that, Queen Veroneek finishes the ceremony, and at long last, Quinn is mine. The crowd cheers and her friends and mother rush to embrace her and offer their congratulations. My aunt looks on with no small amount of affection and pride.

“Let us depart to the banquet room for the feast,” she calls out.

Everyone slowly disperses and a small contingent of guards leads the people out of the room and in the direction of the celebration. Quinn, her mother, and friends—each with happy tears in their eyes—all remain behind with the queen, Alik, and me. My aunt embraces my heart’s fire.

“I am so happy to have you as part of the family.”

“Thank you so much.”

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