Page 32 of Orin

I nodded in response to the overwhelming joy my sister was exuding. However, the feeling I had after taking that first step with Olivia was incomparable. I was determined to show her just how much she meant to me, no matter what it took.

UPON EXITING THE BUILDINGafter having returned my uniform, my thoughts focused on Olivia and what I would say to her when I saw her again. I was caught off guard when voices nearby were speaking about the King and I stopped to listen.

“The King's message didn't address the problem of off-planet skirmishes,” said one male voice.

A second male spoke. “I don’t understand his reluctance to make a deal with these Unknown aliens. I've heard they have technology we could use.”

The first male scoffed. “How can he make a deal? The aliens trade with the Krilex for females. The Protectorate Alliance and the Empire would never permit working with the Unknown.”

His point was valid. Though I was not part of the interrogation of the two shapeshifters at the palace some cycles ago, I understood the King would have offered to help them with locating the minerals and metals they needed.

But the issue regarding the Krilex’s abducting and selling of females to the Unknown aliens meant he was unwilling to help them.

The second male grumbled. “I believe that acquiring their technology through trade would be more advantageous for us. Better than the Krilex having it.”

A growl rumbled through me when I thought about the Unknown shapeshifters. I knew firsthand about their technology and its danger.

The guards didn’t comprehend the threats that the Protectorate were facing in space. I wondered what their reaction would be if the Krilex showed up on Alara?

16

Olivia

I ATE A VERY QUICKlunch in the infirmary with Grace then hurried back to my apartment. I figured Orin would come see me after he finished work for the day. The thought of seeing him again made me smile from ear to ear.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t contain my excitement about the prospect of sitting down and talking to him. That was, if he did show up after the way I spoke to him.

Once he’d left my side to go to work, I was riddled with guilt for the way I had treated him when I first woke up. The rude way I accused him of...what was I accusing him of? I wasn’t sure exactly, since we weren’t a couple. Yet I couldn’t help but feel he wasmine. Never in my life had I felt so possessive and jealous.

Sitting down, I covered my face with my hands recalling the Alaran female I’d seen with him was his sister. The longer I considered it, the more unsure I became about whether he would show up.

I was awful to him. Even though he said nice things, he might have just been trying to be polite and get away from me.I sighed. “Quit torturing yourself.” I said aloud.

After a quick shower, I found myself engrossed in mundane chores, my hands occupied with the repetitive task of fluffing and re-fluffing the sofa cushions.

To occupy myself, I broke the silence by rehearsing what I would say to Orin when we met again.

Now and then, I’d pause and let my hands rest on my hips while I inspected my work.

Once I had finished fluffing, I sighed and settled onto the cozy sofa, placing a pillow behind my back for support.

I put my hand on my stomach as the baby’s foot pushed against my palm, making me feel comforted I wasn’t alone.

FINALLY, AFTER A LONGday, as the evening approached, and I stared at my untouched last meal, the sound of a chirp filled the air, signaling a visitor at my door. I pushed myself out of my seat and bounced from foot to foot.

He’s here!

My pulse sped up and my stomach lurched with anticipation. Would I say the right things? Would he admit I was his mate?

I nervously ran my hands through my hair before smoothing down my dress, then walked to the door to wave my hand over the panel to open it.

My heart almost burst with joy at seeing Orin grinning back at me.

With hands behind his back, Orin and I took each other in. I couldn’t stop the goofy grin that must have shown on my face.

In as calm a voice as I could muster, I spoke. “I’m happy you came.”

His rugged turquoise face captivated me, and his delectable full lips made me want to feel them against mine. The way his dark eyes lit up, radiating heat and intensity, as he stared back at me, made my knees go weak.

---