Page 45 of Alien Charming

“Elli.” Her name rumbled from his chest, relief and wonder mingled in that single word.

They moved towards each other as if an invisible string were pulling them together. When only a breath separated them, he reached out, his hand hovering near her cheek as if afraid she might vanish.

“I thought I’d lost you.” The pain in his voice made her heart ache.

“I’m sorry I ran.” She leaned into his touch as his fingers finally brushed her skin. “I was afraid. Afraid my aunt was right about me. Afraid that I was?—”

“She was wrong.” His voice hardened. “About everything.”

She smiled up at him, emboldened by the intensity of his gaze. “I know that now.”

His thumb traced the curve of her cheek. “Where were you going?”

“To find you.” She placed her hand over his, relishing the warmth of his fingers. “I realized I’ve been running from happiness ever since my mother died because I didn’t believe I deserved it.”

Seren’s breath caught. “And now?”

“Now I’m done running.”

Gold flames flared in his eyes and time seemed to slow as he bent towards her, moving with a caution that made her chest ache. When his lips finally met hers, the world around them faded away.

This kiss was different from their others. There was no hesitation now, no holding back. Strong arms encircled her, holding her as carefully as though she were made of glass, andshe nestled against him, clinging to him as the kiss deepened. She felt the rumble in his chest—not quite a growl, but something primal and possessive that sent shivers down her spine.

“I’ve wanted this since I first saw you in your garden,” he murmured against her lips, his voice rough with emotion.

She smiled, strengthened by his confession. “I think I’ve been waiting for you my whole life without knowing it.”

His response was to claim her mouth again, more urgently this time. The cool bark of a tree pressed against her back as he guided her backwards, surrounding her completely with his warmth and strength. She clung to him, lost in sensations she’d never imagined possible.

The forest seemed to pulse with life around them—birds calling, leaves rustling, the distant gurgle of a stream—all of it forming a perfect backdrop.This is where we belong, she realized. Amongst the wild things, free from judgment and constraint.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, he rested his forehead against hers. He searched her face with such tenderness that she felt tears spring to her eyes.

“I never thought I could feel this way,” she whispered, running her fingers along the strong line of his jaw. “Like I’m finally where I’m supposed to be.”

He caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “You are exactly where you belong, little one. With me.”

“What happens now?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The question encompassed everything—her future,their relationship, the life she’d just abandoned by defying her aunt.

He traced the line of her jaw with one gentle finger, his touch reverent. “Now you choose, Elli. For once in your life, you decide your own path.”

The concept was so foreign, so liberating, that she felt momentarily overwhelmed. Her entire life had been dictated by others—first her mother’s illness, then her aunt’s rigid control. The sudden freedom made her dizzy with possibility, but in the end, there was only one choice.

“I want to be with you,” she said simply, the words coming from a place of certainty she’d never experienced before.

“Thank the gods,” he muttered before she pressed a finger to his lips.

“But your world is very different from mine.”

A shadow crossed his face. “I can’t deny that it will be complicated.”

“I’m not afraid of complications. I’ve spent most of my life being told I wasn’t enough—not pretty enough, not clever enough, not worthy enough. But when I’m with you, I feel like maybe those things don’t matter.”

His expression softened, and he caught her hand in his, pressing a kiss to her palm that sent shivers racing up her arm.

“They don’t,” he growled softly. “You are perfect exactly as you are.”

The way he looked at her made her feel precious, valued in a way she’d never experienced before. His golden eyes held such intensity that she found it difficult to breathe.

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