Page 69 of Charmed By the Alien Warrior

One woman sits against the wall, her leg extended awkwardly in front of her. A lime green cast encases it, the bright color stark against the cave’s dark surroundings. She stares at me in shock, her face tight with pain.

A loud roar sounds outside, and I turn back around just in time to see a figure that I know is Sorrin charge toward one of the anuroi. His sword is a brilliant flash in the sunlight, arcing up in a fluid motion that cuts deep across the beast’s long neck. The anuroi flails, its massive wings beating frantically as a screech of pain tears from its throat.

The sound of the warriors releasing a battle cry and the ear-splitting shrieks of the anurois fill the air, echoing through the cave. I force myself to stay rooted to the spot, even as every instinct screams at me to be out there beside him. But Sorrin wouldn’t want that—not when he is focused on protecting me. On protecting all of us.

My pulse races as I listen closely and watch the shadowy figures on the other side of the waterfall, but I’m caught off guard by an unexpected feeling blooming in my chest.

It’s warm, confident, and electrifying. It’s an eager ball of energy that radiates through our amoris bond. My hand lifts to my chest, resting over my heart as a small, incredulous smile pulls at my lips.

Sorrin. He’s actuallyenjoyingthis.

I shake my head, almost laughing at the absurdity. Leave it to my mate to face down death and treat it like a game he plans to win.

Beside me, Isabella watches me with wide eyes, her hand reaching out to grip my arm. “Is he okay? Are they okay?” she whispers. Her voice is shaky with concern.

I can’t suppress a chuckle as I rub the spot over my heart, where his spirit surges with excitement. “Oh, he’s fine,” I reply, the amusement in my voice softening her tension.

“In fact…” My gaze shifts to the fight, where I can make out the shadows of Sorrin and the other warriors moving in a well-choreographed dance as they work together to take down the three anurois. “He’s having fun.”

Isabella’s jaw drops, and she stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. Maybe I have. But as the thrill of Sorrin’s emotions wash over me, I can’t bring myself to care. I love him—allof him. Every goofy joke, every loincloth panty-melting grin, and yes, even his maddening enjoyment of a good battle.

Behind me, the other women shift uneasily. I turn to them, offering what I hope is a reassuring smile. “It’s going to be okay. They know what they’re doing.”

The words are barely out of my mouth when another anuroi screech pierces the air. My hand tightens instinctively around the hilt of my knife, my knuckles turning white. But I’m not moving from this spot. I don’t think it will happen, but I canalmost sense the anurois’ desperation. And if they manage to get in, well, my knife won’t do much damage, but I’m sure not going to go down without a fight.

“Move them to the back of the cave,” I whisper to Isabella. “Just in case.”

She nods, her gaze darting to the shimmering curtain of the waterfall where shadows writhe and clash. Her face is lined with worry, but she turns to the others and urges them to move to the back corner of the cave, as far away from the entrance as they can get.

“Come on,” she says. “Let’s go.”

As the women retreat, I step closer to the waterfall, unable to tear my eyes from the battle outside. A massive shadow appears, looming larger by the second. My breath catches, and my fingers flex around the hilt of my knife as the dark shape barrels toward me.

The glint of sunlight reflecting off a sword flying through the air flashes a moment before it plunges deep into the anuroi’s wide chest. The beast lets out a final, guttural screech before it crashes into the water below with a large splash.

The sound sends frightened yelps rippling through the other women, but I don’t flinch. My feet remain planted, my body still as I watch the fight. I trust Sorrin. I trust all of them.

Suddenly, the screeches begin to wane. My pulse quickens, the bond between Sorrin and me surges with adrenaline and triumph. The shadow of a second anuroi crashes down outside the cave, followed quickly by a triumphant roar.

Minutes stretch into what seems like hours as the fight rages on. Every screech makes my heart leap and every roar stokes the fire in my chest.

And then, silence. Just as quickly as the fight began, it’s over.

It’s so sudden it feels unnatural. My heart pounds in my ears as I strain to hear something—anything—that might tell me what’s happening. My heart lurches.Where’s Sorrin? Are they—

Then, a shadowy figure steps past the shimmering curtain of water, his broad shoulders backlit by the sunlight. His skin is streaked with blood that I really hope isn’t his and his chest heaves as he pants, but his mouth curves into a grin that sends a flood of warmth through me.

I run to him, nearly slipping on the wet stone, but I don’t stop until my arms are around his neck, tears streaking down my face. Sorrin’s voice rumbles through his chest as he assures me that none of the blood is his own, but I don’t care.

I need to check him for myself, and I do, running my hands over him. A groan seeps from him, even as he eyes me with amusement.

“You’re okay,” I murmur, my voice trembling as the knot of worry that had settled in my stomach finally unclenches.

His arms wrap around me, his hold firm but gentle as he pulls me to him.

“I told you, I’ll always protect you.” he says. His voice is soft but teasing despite his obvious exhaustion. “And I’ll always return to you. You’re stuck with me, Mara.” He pulls back just enough to meet my gaze.

“Good,” I whisper, blinking back the tears that are threatening to spill over. “Because there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

---