Page 64 of Claimed by the Alien Warrior Triad

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Stryker

We set off northwards, towards our old home. I’m on high alert. My skin prickles as if Orb-Power is flowing through me, and my eyes constantly scan left and right, upwards and down, scanning for any sign of the winged beast.

I know the greatest danger is from the sky. We must never take our eyes from it.

For many nights over the past decades, I’ve fallen asleep imagining conquering the dragon. I’ve ached to rid our world of the scourge of this creature. Now, though, I finally feel like we have a plan. A chance.

A slim chance – but more than has ever been offered to us before. I spare a glance at my mate, feeling as though she is secretly the leader of my triad. Twice now she has swayed my mind on important, life-changing decisions in a way that Haleon or Brigg never could. This morning, when I made the decision to fight the dragon, I never would have considered for a moment putting my mate in front of the flames. Somehow she convinced me to let her come, and I’m still not quite sure how she did it.

I can never underestimate that beautiful woman. Her mind is sharper than mine. Instead of feeling foolish knowing that she can see more clearly than me, I simply feel grateful that she is on my side.

Yet, to get to the dragon’s lair, we will have to pass through the northern tribal lands, where a clan we have an uneasy peace with lives. The north-tribe survives underground, like us, in a vast network of caverns in which they can hide from the dragon. Up above their subterranean home, the luscious jungle climate turns raw and hot, filled with an ashy heat that rakes at your lungs with every breath.

As we walk, I look back at my fated mate. Aubrey should not have to bear such discomfort. More and more, I understand that she deserves to be in the softer southlands, eating sweet fruits and spending her days relaxing. Her bravery draws me to her, bonding us even closer together. I know that our sons will be proud and strong.

“Tell me more, my love,” I ask her as we walk. “What did you see in the Orb?”

She smiles. “I saw victory. I saw… I saw sons.Manysons. I watched them go to a strange world and save a woman and small children from certain death. I watched them battle Scorp Queens and earn their right to mates. They grow up and live healthy, strong lives. Our lineage will prosper throughout eternity.”

Her words make my chest puff out. Most of our tribe die out, their bloodline ending when they cannot earn the right to females destined to mate with them. Most of our tribe member’s bloodline ends in a brutal battle underground, fighting for a sacrifice.

Mine will continue, though – strong, and vital; my sons forging themselves in the histories. The dragon will be the greatest foe I face, and he will die by my sword.

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24

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Aubrey

We get to the cavern where it all started, oh so long ago.

It’s not nostalgia that brings us here. The cavern is a natural mid-point between the triad’s new home and the lair of the dragon.

It’s also safe and secure – the perfect resting place.

“It seems so long ago,” says Brigg wistfully, as the three towering aliens push the boulder aside. Once again, I’m in awe of their flexing muscles as they exert themselves – the perfect specimens of men.

“It was so long ago,” I say, and Haleon laughs.

“Thirty years will feel different to you when you have lived hundreds. Tell me, how many suns and moons are in an Earth year?”

We walk down the hallway and into the cave.

“365,” I tell him. “Well, 366 once every four years.”

Stryker is silent. He’s been brooding ever since we set off on this mission, completely focused on the task that lies ahead. He reminds me of a coiled spring. I’m terrified of what will happen when he unwinds.

The dragon should be, too.

“On this world, there are 460 days in a year,” says Haleon oblivious to my thoughts about Stryker. Yet Stryker’s darkness is infecting us all. I know that there are terrors in the near future, but like Haleon, I prefer to distract myself and not think about it.

Stryker is the leader, however – and his word bears the most weight out of all us. With this power comes responsibility; and it’s understandable why he wears it heavily. I’m just grateful that he treats my counsel as equal to his. If he was always steamrolling me in important life decisions, I’d truly feel like coming to this planet was a mistake.

Torches are lit, and we set up a meal of dried meat and nuts on the old stone table, chewing silently. My jaw is aching by the time my belly is sated.

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