18

Aeryn sat cross-legged on the plush seating in Alex’s room, savoring the food in front of her. The taste was unlike anything she’d ever experienced-rich, flavorful, and strangely comforting. She eagerly reached for another piece of what looked like bread, spreading a vibrant, green paste across it before taking a big bite. The paste had a tangy flavor that made her eyes widen in delight, and she quickly went in for another spoonful, smearing it on her lips and cheeks in the process.

She was so engrossed in the food that she didn’t notice Alex watching her intently from across the room. His gaze was fixed on her, his sharp eyes observing every move she made. There was something fascinating about the way she ate, completely absorbed in the moment, as if all the worries of the world had been temporarily pushed aside. Her cheeks were stuffed with food, and bits of crumbs clung to her mouth and chin, making her look almost childlike in her enthusiasm.

Alex couldn’t help but smile at the sight. He had never seen someone eat with such abandon, and it was oddly endearing. She wasn’t concerned about appearances, wasn’t worried about what he might think. It was a refreshing change from the guarded and reserved manner she had shown earlier. In this moment, she was just Aeryn, lost in the simple pleasure of a good meal.

He leaned back in his chair, still watching her, but now with a softer expression. There was something captivating about her, something that drew him in more and more each time they interacted. He found himself wanting to know more about her, to understand what made her who she was. She was a mystery to him, and he wanted to unravel every part of her.

As she continued to eat, Alex cleared his throat, trying to think of a way to start a conversation. He didn’t want to break the peaceful moment, but there was something he needed to know, something that had been on his mind since he first brought her here.

“Aeryn,” he began, his voice low and measured, “do you miss your family?”

The question hung in the air for a moment, and Aeryn paused mid-bite, the food in her hand hovering just inches from her mouth. Her expression shifted from contentment to something more guarded, more painful. She slowly put the food down, her appetite suddenly waning as the weight of his question settled in.

She didn’t look at him as she answered, her voice small and tinged with sadness. “I don’t have a family,” she mumbled, her words almost lost in the quietness of the room.

Alex felt a pang of guilt and regret for asking the question. He hadn’t expected such an answer, and now that he had it, he wished he could take the question back. He hadn’t meant to bring up painful memories, hadn’t wanted to remind her of whatever loss she had endured. But now it was too late, and he could see the sadness in her eyes, the way her shoulders slumped slightly as if she were carrying the weight of the world.

Without thinking, Alex moved closer to her, his large frame towering over her as he knelt in front of where she sat. He gently cupped her face with both hands, tilting her head up so that she was forced to meet his gaze. His touch was surprisingly tender, his fingers warm against her cool skin. He could feel the tension in her body, the way she stiffened at his touch, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he held her gaze, his eyes searching hers for something he couldn’t quite name.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, his voice full of sincerity. “I didn’t mean to bring up painful memories.”

Aeryn blinked, surprised by the gentleness in his voice, by the concern she saw in his eyes. She hadn’t expected him to care, hadn’t thought that someone like him—a powerful, seemingly unfeeling alien—could show such compassion. But here he was, holding her face as if she were something precious, something to be protected.

Aeryn swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump that had formed in her throat. The truth was, she didn’t like talking about her past, didn’t like thinking about the family she had lost. It was easier to pretend that she was fine, that she didn’t need anyone. But now, with Alex looking at her like that, she felt her defenses crumbling, felt the loneliness she had tried so hard to ignore bubbling to the surface.

“It’s… it’s fine,” she said shakily, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m used to it. Being alone, I mean.”

Alex’s heart ached at her words. He could see the pain in her eyes, the loneliness that she tried so hard to hide. And it made him want to do something, anything, to take that pain away. She didn’t deserve to feel like this, to carry such a burden on her own.

“You don’t have to be alone anymore,” he said firmly, his voice taking on a more possessive tone. “You have me now, Aeryn. I’m your family.”

Aeryn’s eyes widened at his words, her heart skipping a beat as she processed what he had just said. There was something intense in his voice, something that sent a shiver down her spine. He wasn’t just offering her comfort; he was making a promise, a vow that he intended to keep.

The weight of his words hit her hard, and she felt a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. On one hand, she was touched by his offer, by the fact that he wanted to be there for her. But on the other hand, she was scared—scared of getting too close, of letting herself believe that someone could actually care about her.

“You… you don’t have to do that,” she stammered, unsure of what else to say. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

Alex’s grip on her face tightened slightly, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. “You’re not a burden, Aeryn. Don’t ever think that. You’re, you're important to me.”

The sincerity in his voice took her by surprise, and she felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. No one had ever said that to her before,no one had ever made her feel like she mattered. And now here was this alien, this strange and powerful being, telling her that she was important to him. It was almost too much to handle.

She wanted to believe him, wanted to trust that he meant what he said. But the scars of her past ran deep, and she wasn’t sure if she could open herself up to someone like that again. She had been hurt before, had lost everyone she had ever cared about. Could she really risk it all again?

But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something that made her heart swell, an emotion she couldn’t quite name, but one that made her feel safe, wanted. And in that moment, she made a decision, a tentative step toward trusting him, toward letting him in.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “Thank you, Alex.”

Alex’s expression softened, and he nodded, his thumb brushing gently across her cheek. “You don’t have to thank me,” he muttered quietly. “Just know that I’m here for you. Always.” Alex never thought je would speak those words to someone, but here he was.

Aeryn felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, a warmth that she hadn’t felt in a long time. She still had her doubts, still had her fears, but for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel so alone. She had someone who cared about her, someone who was willing to stand by her side. And that meant more to her than she could put into words.

As they sat there, the silence between them was comfortable, almost peaceful. For the first time since she arrived in this strange world, Aeryn felt a sense of calm wash over her. She didn’t know what the future held, didn’t know what would happen next, but for now, she was content to just be here, in this moment, with Alex.

She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear. It was a strange feeling, but one that brought her comfort. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax fully for the first time in what felt like forever.

Alex, too, felt a sense of contentment as he held her close. There was something about having her in his arms that felt right, something that made him believe that maybe, just maybe, they were meant to be together. He didn’t know what the future held for them, didn’t know what challenges they would face, but he knew one thing for sure—he wasn’t going to let her go. She was his now, and he would do whatever it took to protect her, to keep her safe.

As they sat there, wrapped in each other’s presence, the galaxy-like room around them shimmered softly, casting a gentle light over the two of them. It was as if the universe itself was watching over them, a silent witness to the bond that was slowly forming between them.

And in that moment, Aeryn realized that maybe, just maybe, she had found a place where she belonged, a place where she could finally feel safe, feel loved. She had found a new family, and though it was different from anything she had ever imagined, it was something she was willing to embrace. She had Alex now, and for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel so alone.