Page 106 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
25-Noviosk
I grit my teeth so hard I’m sure I’ll shatter a molar. When Ayden and I forged this fragile alliance, it was supposed to be about protecting Sam. Not getting physically close to her.Hearing them last night—even muffled by the pod—sent me into a blind rage.
I had hoped the nights would continue as they had: him standing guard at her side, deterring the predators. I hadn’t expected him to take advantage of the situation. What a fool I am.
That fragile Human woman should be the last of my concerns. My right leg is still stiff, and it may betray me in my fight against Danuk. I still believe I stand a good chance of defeating him. He may be younger and quicker, but I have the strength and experience he lacks. My entire focus should be on that battle—on how to dominate him and secure victory. Letting Sam distract me is a mistake. A weakness. And I cannot afford any weakness.
I rise, determined to stretch this cursed leg before it costs me everything. I step to the center of the hangar, feet shoulder-width apart. Only two Humans are awake—and not the ones who spent the night together. I ignore them and begin.
The floor is cold under my bare heels. I close my eyes, then begin the sequence of exercises Sam once showed me. Sitting, I loop a band around the ball of my right foot. I extend my leg, heel on the ground, and gently pull the fabric until the stretch hits deep in my calf. Release. Repeat. The movement wakes those dormant fibers that have been idle far too long.
My focus cracks when I see him arrive. In two seconds, I’m on my feet and slam a vicious uppercut into his jaw. He staggers back, off-balance, and lands hard on his ass. He rises slowly, one hand on his jaw, the other bracing against the floor. His gaze locks on mine—surprised, thoughtful.
“What the hell? Are you... jealous?” he asks, incredulous.
“This has nothing to do with that! Our deal was to protect her. Not use her vulnerability!”
He stands, eyes hardened, but not angry.
“Sam’s not vulnerable. She’s stronger than most I’ve met. She radiates. Even the darkest of us... you, me... we shine brighter when she’s around.”
“You shouldn't have done it,” I snap. “Not here. Not with these vultures circling.”
“That’s not your call, Nov,” comes a trembling voice behind me.
I freeze. I turn slowly—and meet her eyes. Guilt. Anger. And worse... disappointment.
I’ve hurt her. Not just by hitting Ayden, but by condemning what they share. By refusing to acknowledge what’s grown between them.
What did I expect? She’s had eyes only for him since he walked into this place. And I… I pretended not to see it. As if looking away would make it less true.
I search for words. None come. But she steps closer.
“You don’t get to have an opinion. You’re not my friend. You made that very clear. So what gives you the right to tell me what I can or can’t do?”
My jaw tightens. She’s right. I threw her friendship back in her face. And friendship—itisa kind of love. And love... is weakness. I cast it out long ago. For good reason. Emotions cloud judgment. They distract. They make you vulnerable. And look at me now: distracted, clouded, wasting mental focus on the fact that she chose Ayden. When I should be thinking only of my battle with Danuk.
I’m losing time. Losing clarity. All for one misplaced heartbeat.
“Do what you want,” I mutter. “Just pray you don’t pay the price for it.”
Only her disappointed gaze answers me.
Moments later, her two guards arrive to escort her to the lab.
I’m left alone with Ayden, who studies me silently.
“You’ve fallen for her,” he says flatly.
“I’m not that kind of man,” I snap. “She saved my life. I owe her. That’s all.”
He gives me a crooked smile. Almost pitying.
“Lie to yourself all you want, Noviosk. But don’t lie to me. You’re jealous. And you feel things for her.”
The truth in his voice enrages me.
“Srebats don’t love. We possess. We conquer. We dominate.”
