Page 6 of Resisting the Alien Commander

Everyone turns and stares. Sure enough, halfway up the mountain is what definitely looks like a palace.My gaze locks with Olivia’s. She appears as stunned as I feel.

“There are five suites on each floor,” Horek interrupts our study of it all. “Each has its own bedroom, sitting area, and bathing room. There is a library on the third floor and through those doors is a large dining area where you are free to take your meals. There is a cook on site at all times in the kitchen to prepare food whenever you wish.”

At the thought of food, my stomach grumbles. I’d been too nervous to eat earlier, but the mention of the kitchen kicks my hunger into high gear.

“You may choose whichever suite you prefer,” Horek continues. “There are more than enough for you to pick one you like, I’m sure. Additional guards should be arriving any moment with your belongings. If you have any questions while you’re getting settled, you may ask one of them.”

A woman raises her hand. The commander stares at her and she clears her throat.

“When will we meet our potential husbands?”

“You will have an opportunity to meet them at the welcome dinner tomorrow evening,” he tells her. “Or any time you walk through the city. Every male of a certain age is eligible for a bride.”

Devon, Olivia, Lindsey, and I all share a glance within the small circle we’ve made slightly away from the others. The city is massive so I assume the population is as well. Do we really have that many possible men to choose from? It feels a bit overwhelming. My gaze shifts to the commander. He appears to be the appropriate age. Is he looking for a wife?

“There is a comm unit in each suite for emergencies. If there’s nothing else?” Horek asks.

No one else raises their hand or breaks the silence. He dips his head and quickly pivots on his heel before walking out the door. All the women stand around a moment longer exchanging glances. It’s like no one wants to make the first move.

“Let’s go get first dibs on the best rooms,” Olivia whispers. She’s always been fearless and willing to get people to do things.

We might as well. The four of us head for the lift that’s near the entrance.

“I’m thinking the top floor,” Devon suggests. “We’ll have the best view, plus we won’t have to hear people walking around above us.”

Olivia grins. “I like the way you think. Plus, that leaves one other suite empty on our floor so we won’t have to split up.”

Lindsey pushes the button for the eighth floor and the lift doors close just as a flash of someone comes into view.Sorry. Hopefully with only twenty of us and the stairs, one lift will be enough. Unless there’s another one we’re not aware of.

The lift comes to a stop and the doors slide open, and we step out onto the wide landing with a glass balcony that runs the length of the building. Opposite where we stand is the wall of windows with the perfect view of both the palace and the city below. To my surprise, a small amount of excitement builds. Maybe because everything is so beautiful and clean.

“Quinn, are you coming?” Olivia calls out.

I turn. She, Lindsey, and Devon are halfway down the walkway. I rush to join them.

“Why don’t we take the two on the end?” Olivia asks.

“Sure.”

“Lindsey and I will take the ones in the middle then and leave the outer one closest to the lift empty,” Devon adds.

“Meet back out in here twenty minutes?” Lindsey suggests.

We all nod in agreement. The two of them enter their suites while Olivia and I reach ours. We glance at each other and she smiles at me.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” she says.

“I’m glad I’m not alone.”

“Never.” Olivia shakes her head. “Where you go, I go.”

I swallow down the emotions threatening to choke me. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“See you then.”

With a slow turn of the knob, I step inside my new home.

Chapter4

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