Page 24 of Wrecked By My Alien Mentor

“Urban combat simulation,” Orion says, handing me a sleek, futuristic-looking pistol. “Your objective is to survive. The Grolgath are your adversaries. Don’t die.”

“Don’t die. Got it.” I grip the pistol, my palms already sweating. “Easy.”

The first time, I don’t even make it five minutes. A Grolgath—its scales shifting to blend into the rubble—ambushes me from behind, and I’m dead before I can even turn around. The second time, I manage to take one down before another gets me. By the third attempt, I’m starting to get the hang of it—movingcautiously, using the environment to my advantage, keeping my back to the wall.

“Better,” Orion says after my fourth attempt, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “But you’re still too predictable. Think like a predator, not prey.”

I wipe the sweat from my brow and nod, determined. The fifth time, I finally make it through, my heart pounding as I take down the last Grolgath with a well-placed shot. I turn to Orion, grinning despite the ache in my muscles. “I did it.”

“You did.” He steps closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over me. “But that was the easy version. Now let’s take off the training wheels and do therealsimulation.”

“Again?” I groan, slumping back against the wall of the holo-gym. My arms feel like jelly, and my legs aren’t much better. “Orion, I just survived your so-called ‘real’ simulation. Can’t I at least bask in my victory for five minutes?”

His lips twitch, and for a moment, I think he’s going to smile. But he schools his expression into his usual stoic mask. Almost. The corners of his mouth are still fighting it.

“You’re not smiling, are you?” I narrow my eyes at him, pointing an accusatory finger. “Don’t you dare smile right now. You’re theworst.” I step closer and punch him lightly on the shoulder. It’s like hitting a brick wall, but it’s the principle of the thing.

He laughs—a deep, rumbling sound that fills the room and makes my knees go weak for entirely different reasons. “Fine. You passed. But there’s always room for improvement.”

“Improvement?” I throw my hands up. “I’m a human, Orion. Not one of your tireless Vakutan warriors. I need rest. And food. Mostly food.”

He crosses his arms, his red scales catching the light. “Food, huh? What’s in it for me if I indulge you?”

I smirk, leaning in a little closer. “Well, I won’t complain if you take me to that little Italian place I love. You know, Eleven Eleven? My favorite. Ever since I was a kid.”

His eyes soften, and he nods. “You’ve earned it. Let’s go.”

We head back to the shuttle bay, and this time, Orion gestures for me to take the controls. My stomach flips. “Seriously? You’re letting me fly this thing?”

“You’ve been studying. Time to put it to the test.” He stands behind me, his imposing presence both comforting and slightly intimidating.

I slide into the pilot’s seat, my hands trembling as I grip the controls. The shuttle jerks as I take off, and I let out a nervous laugh. “Okay, okay. I’ve got this.”

Orion’s hands hover near the controls, ready to take over if needed, but he doesn’t interfere. Slowly, I find my rhythm, the shuttle gliding smoothly through the water. As we pass through a school of bioluminescent creatures, I can’t help but gasp. The water glows with soft blues and greens, the creatures swirling around us like living stars.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, my heart soaring.

Orion’s voice is soft behind me. “It’s like seeing it for the first time all over again. Through your eyes.”

I glance back at him, catching the warmth in his gaze. For a moment, I forget about the controls, and the shuttle dips slightly. Orion chuckles, reaching over to steady us. “Eyes forward, pilot.”

“Yes, sir,” I say, my cheeks heating.

As we leave the ocean and soar into the sky, Orion takes over the controls, guiding the shuttle effortlessly. The ride from Alpha Base to the helipad on Orion Plaza is seamless, the Vakutan technology making the journey feel like a blink.

“Twenty minutes,” I mutter, shaking my head. “If only commercial flights were this fast.”

Orion smirks. “Humans will get there. Eventually.”

I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling as we land. My stomach growls, reminding me of the promise of a delicious meal. “So, Eleven Eleven?”

“Eleven Eleven,” he confirms, his voice low and warm. “Let’s see if their pasta lives up to your glowing reviews.”

Orion’s hand is massive, his scaled fingers dwarfing mine as we step into the elevator. His grip is firm, possessive in the best way, and I can’t help but feel a flutter in my chest as the doors close behind us. The descent is smooth, but the tension in the air is anything but.

“So,” I say, breaking the silence, “how does it feel to be whisked away by a human to her favorite restaurant?”

His lips twitch, that almost-smile I’ve come to adore. “I’ll let you know after I’ve tasted this pasta you’ve been raving about. If it’s half as good as you say, I might have to reconsider my opinion of Earth’s cuisine.”

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