Page 62 of Alien Wants A Wife

“Really?” I touch the dried algae Killan’s still holding. It isn’t crispy at all. Not like dried seaweed in the slightest and much more like… fiberfill. Honestly, I think it could make quite comfortable pillow stuffing. If, say, someone was thinking of repurposing one of her dresses into a pillowcase as a gift for the alien hovering by her elbow, sulking because she was too much of a coward to tell him the truth about her deal with Chloe. A sorry-I-have-to-break-your-heart-on-intergalactic-TV gift. A sorry-for-humiliating-you-but-have-this-comfy-pillow gift.

“Do you think I could have some?” I ask.

If I expect Killan to be confused by my request, I’m sorely mistaken. He collects a generous armful of dried algae from the cupboard and piles it into my outstretched hands. “The best Nufaral in all the universe, grown fresh on our farm,” he says, looking straight at the closest camera, mounted onto the rock wall. “Delicious.”

“Don’t look directly at the lens.” Mr. Smith’s voice echoes through the cave. “How many times do I have to remind you?!”

Killan scowls.

Roan does too, stepping forward half a pace as if preparing to step between me and the cameras. As there are several in the cave, filming us from all directions, he isn’t likely to succeed. His thoughtful attempt makes my heart backflip in my chest, though. And, as a counterbalance, a fresh lump of guilt takes up residence in my stomach.

“Ugh!” Mr. Smith groans, making his annoyance at us as clear as if he were standing in the cave, too. “Might as well begin your second task of the day.”

“Another one?” Lydia groans.

Mr. Smith doesn’t pay her the slightest amount of attention. ”More banter from now on,” he demands. “More flirting. More…everything!” He yells that last word. Combined with the echo, it makes me jump, and I’m immediately angry at myself for showing signs of fear.

Hastily, I plaster a smile on my face. Mr. Smith’s interruption is the reminder I didn’t need of everything I’m finding it impossible to forget.

A second later, an incessant beeping fills the chamber.

“What’s that?” Lydia asks, hands clasped over her ears.

“Message on my datapad.” Killan withdraws it from a pocket in his… boot. I guess if you’re not going to wear clothes, your boots are the best place to store your tablet. “You will never guess who it is from,” he deadpans.

“LOVE GALAXY,” Lydia and I answer at the same time.

“Killan,” Killan reads. “Continue your deep dive, by sharing with Harlee your favorite place underground.”

“More water puns?” Lydia rolls her eyes, right as there’s more beeping, coming from Roan’s tablet this time.

“Roan,” he reads, with another glance at me. “And then… the same task. ‘Share with Lydia your favorite place underground.’”

“Oh, cool.” Lydia takes Roan’s tablet, reading the task for herself. Glancing at me, she winces. “Good luck dealing with Mr Stick Up His Ass. You’re going to need it.” And she leaves so fast she’s practically running, pulling Roan along after her.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Roan

Ipull my hand out of Lydia's grasp and glance back. An absurd wave of possessiveness rolls through me, until I am clenching my fists and gritting my teeth.

Harlee is mine,I think. Even as another, more rational piece of my brain, thinks,she is safe with Killan. I trust Killan… do I not?

Never have I doubted my brother before, and the feeling stops me in my tracks. I want to rush back to Harlee’s side. I want to hold her against my chest and never let go. But I would be doing nobody any good by refusing to complete the task.

I certainly would be doing no good by starting a fight with Killan when I know… When I know what?

That he will not hurt Harlee… Of course he would not!

That he will not steal Harlee from me…

I am growling before I register I made the decision to do so. I clench my hands into fists. I will fight Killan for Harlee if I must. I will fight him… and I will lose. Because Killan is bigger than me and stronger than me and older than me.

“Come on,” Lydia cajoles, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts. “Where’s your favorite place to go? One of the caves? Your house? Sorin’s house?” She raises her brows then, clearly eager for an excuse to visit Briar.

“The arboretum,” I tell her truthfully, having to physically wrench my jaw open to speak.

“Okay.” She nods. “I like looking at trees as much as the next woman. Lead the way.” And she indicates I should walk ahead of her, back the way we originally came.

---