Page 30 of Wrecked By My Alien Mentor

He snorts, a low, gruff sound that makes my heart skip. “Hopeless? I’d say I’m doing pretty well.”

“Oh, you’re definitely hopeless,” I tease, reaching up to poke his chest. “You’re so far gone, it’s almost tragic.”

He catches my hand, his grip firm but gentle. “If that’s the case, then I’m fine with it.” His voice is steady, but there’s a warmth there that makes my breath catch.

I settle into his arms, resting my head against his chest, his heartbeat steady and strong beneath my ear. The forest feels like it’s holding us in this moment, the air sweet with the scent of pine and earth. I close my eyes, letting myself justbehere withhim. The chaos of Veritas, the danger of the Grolgath—all of it fades into the background. Right now, it’s just us.

“Tomorrow’s going to be a mess, isn’t it?” I murmur, my voice muffled against his chest.

“Probably.” His hand strokes my back, his touch reassuring. “But we’ll handle it. Like we always do.”

I tilt my head up to look at him again, my lips curving into a smile. “You meanyou’llhandle it, and I’ll try not to get in the way.”

He raises an eyebrow, his expression shifting to that mock sternness I’ve come to love. “You’re not in the way, Cora. You’re the reason I’m still standing.”

My cheeks warm, and I bury my face in his chest again, hiding the grin that spreads across my face. “Sap,” I mutter.

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through me. “Only for you.” His arms tighten around me, and I feel a sense of peace settle over me. Maybe tomorrow will bring danger, maybe it’ll bring chaos. But for today, I’m exactly where I want to be—wrapped up in the arms of the man I love.

CHAPTER 14

ORION

Isit at the sidewalk café, a cup of black coffee cooling in front of me. The St. Louis Public Library looms across the street, its granite façade catching the afternoon sun. My eyes lock onto Luhr, his human disguise impeccable—sharp suit, slicked-back hair, the picture of a man who’s used to getting what he wants. He’s leaning against a lamppost, pretending to scroll through his phone, but I know better. He’s waiting for her.

Cora steps out of the library, arms laden with books. She’s playing her part perfectly, the studious intern with a curious mind. My earpiece crackles to life as I tap it.

“Luhr is stalking you,” I say, my voice low. “Just like we hoped.”

Her response is a whisper, barely audible over the street noise. “Let’s see if I can pull this off. Hope my acting is up to par.”

“You’ll do fine. Just remember, don’t seem too eager. Make him persuade you to take the job. Going to comm silence for now.”

I watch as Luhr approaches her, his movements smooth, calculated. He’s good, I’ll give him that. But Cora’s better.

“Need a hand with those, miss?” Luhr’s voice is smooth, almost too smooth. I can hear it through the earpiece, every word crisp.

Cora hesitates, just long enough to sell it. “Uh, sure. Thanks.” Her tone is cautious, guarded. Perfect.

He takes the books from her, his hands brushing hers just enough to make it seem accidental. “Heading to your car?”

“Yeah, it’s just over there.” She gestures toward the parking lot, and they start walking. I keep my eyes on them, sipping my coffee like any other patron.

When they reach her car, Luhr sets the books in the backseat. “You know, I couldn’t help but notice you’ve been in the library a lot lately. Researching something important?”

Cora shrugs, playing it cool. “Just work stuff. My boss is… demanding.”

Luhr chuckles, a sound that’s meant to be disarming. “Sounds like a real taskmaster. How about a cup of coffee? My treat.”

She raises an eyebrow, feigning suspicion. “I’m not looking for a boyfriend.”

He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Neither am I. Just thought you might like a break. And maybe… I could use your help with something.”

“My help?” Cora crosses her arms, leaning against her car. “What kind of help?”

Luhr’s expression turns serious, his voice dropping. “Something far more dangerous than you’re used to. I need someone smart, someone who can think on their feet. Someone like you.”

Cora laughs, a light, dismissive sound. “You’re kidding, right? What, are you some kind of spy?”

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