Page 84 of Sold to the Alien Smugglers

My mouth is dry even in the hot, humid air. I shake my head and pull myself up.

I know at my signal, Lucius would kill the Toad. He’d take the bike and lead us to their Aurelian Reaver vessel – but we’d have to leave Tessa behind.

I can’t do that to her. Imustbe strong.

“It’s okay,” I reassure Lucius. “I’ll go. Ihaveto go.” I turn my eyes to meet the concerned gaze of all three warriors. “I’ll… I’ll see you soon, I promise.”

As I utter those words, I fix the three men in my mind – just in case I’m lying.

Marcel reluctantly helps me down from the carriage.

“I won’t let you get hurt,” he whispers to me, the grains of silver in his slate-grey eyes glinting in the light. I look into those eyes and see none of the coldness I’ve grown used to. Marcel is promising he’ll keep me safe, and I take comfort in the sincerity with which he makes that promise.

I take one last look at those huge, grey eyes – knowing it might be the last time I look into them before the mating frenzy steals what humanity this great, towering alien still possesses.

Then, with a final nod to my triad, I step through those huge, open doors and listen to them hiss closed behind me.

I’m all alone now, and as my eyes adjust to the unfamiliar light, I realize I’m standing on a stage.

Not just any stage – this is apparently the stage where I’m expected to beclaimedby the three, towering warriors – in front of a jeering, cheering crowd of hundreds of disgusting Toads and Bullfrogs men who ache for me.

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