47.

The thick, tension-laden air swirled around Alex as he stood in the grand chamber, his piercing gaze locked on Arin. She was regal, standing in her royal armor, the scars of war marking her as the warrior queen she had become. But today’s conversation had nothing to do with battles from distant galaxies. It was about Jack, the dark force lurking in the shadows of their universe, waiting for an opportunity to strike.


Alex’s expression darkened as Arin shared her findings. “Jack is not just after power for the sake of domination. His strategy is far more insidious. He believes that harnessing human energy, through a child born from Aeryn, would give him the ultimate leverage in his quest for control. A child, Alex—a human-royal hybrid—could be the key to unimaginable strength.”


The words churned in Alex’s mind. He clenched his fists. “Jack wants to use Aeryn as a tool,” he muttered, more to himself than to Arin. “He believes she’s the perfect vessel.”


Arin nodded gravely, her expression mirroring his concern. “She’s valuable to him, not just because she’s human, but because she’s with you. He knows how much she means to you.”


Alex’s jaw tightened. The thought of Aeryn being in danger was enough to ignite a fire of fury within him. “Jack’s obsession will be his downfall. I’ll make sure of it.”


Neither of them realized that a figure stood quietly behind the half-closed door, listening to every word. Aeryn’s heart raced as she overheard the conversation, the weight of their words settling into her chest like a heavy stone. Jack wanted her—not just her, but a child. Their child. Her mind swirled with a thousand thoughts, and she felt the walls closing in on her.


She stepped back slowly, her breath quickening as panic washed over her. But before she could retreat fully, a faint creak from the floor gave her away. Alex’s sharp senses immediately picked up the sound, and his eyes darted to the door. He could feel her presence.


Without a word, he excused himself from Arin and strode towards the door. As he stepped out, he spotted Aeryn, frozen in place. Their eyes met, and in that moment, Alex knew. She had heard everything.


A slow smirk curled on his lips, dangerous and teasing. “Eavesdropping, are we?”


Aeryn’s breath hitched, her mind racing as she tried to form a response, but words failed her. She could only look at him, her wide eyes betraying the fear and uncertainty that now consumed her.


Alex’s smirk widened as he walked closer to her, each step deliberate, predatory. When he reached her, he lifted his hand to gently tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering longer than necessary. His voice was a soft, low whisper that sent shivers down her spine.


“Do you know what happens to those who eavesdrop on conversations they shouldn’t?” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. “They get punished.”


Aeryn’s eyes widened further, her body tensing as Alex’s hand slid to the back of her neck, his grip firm but not painful. There was something in his gaze—a mixture of amusement and possessiveness—that made her both nervous and… excited.


Without giving her a chance to protest, Alex’s hand tightened slightly, and he began to guide her down the hall. “Let’s go,” he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.


He led her through the grand corridors of the palace, the silence between them thick with unspoken tension. Aeryn’s mind raced with thoughts of Jack, of the danger she was in, and of the strange pull she felt towards Alex. She knew she should resist, that she should fight against the possessive way he treated her, but something inside her—something deep and primal—kept her feet moving forward.


They reached his chamber, the doors opening automatically as they approached. Once inside, Alex released her, but the weight of his presence pressed against her, making it hard to breathe. He closed the doors behind them, sealing them in together.


Aeryn swallowed hard, her nerves on edge as she watched him. “Alex… I… I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, I just…”


“You heard enough,” he interrupted, his tone dark but laced with amusement. “You know what Jack wants now. He wants you, Aeryn. And he wants a child.”


Aeryn’s heart raced, the gravity of the situation hitting her full force. “But I… I can’t… we… we can’t let him—”


“We won’t,” Alex cut her off again, his tone firm. He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. “But that doesn’t excuse your little habit of spying.”


She opened her mouth to protest, but Alex was faster. In one swift motion, he closed the distance between them, his hands gripping her waist firmly. He pulled her close, his lips hovering just above hers, and she could feel the heat radiating off his body.


“You should be punished,” he whispered, his voice sending a thrill through her. “But I’ll make it worth your while.”


Before she could respond, his lips crashed against hers in a heated, demanding kiss. Aeryn gasped, but her body reacted instinctively, her hands moving to grip his shoulders as she kissed him back with equal fervor. The taste of him was intoxicating, overwhelming her senses as he claimed her lips with fierce possession.


Alex’s hands roamed her body, pulling her even closer as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth. Aeryn moaned softly, her mind spinning as she melted into him, the tension and fear she had felt earlier dissolving in the heat of the moment.


With a low growl, Alex lifted her effortlessly, carrying her towards the large, ornate bed that dominated the center of the room. He laid her down gently, his body pressing against hers as he continued to kiss her, his hands never stopping their exploration.


Aeryn’s mind was a blur of sensations—fear, desire, confusion—but all she could focus on was the feel of Alex’s hands on her skin, the way he made her feel alive in a way she had never experienced before.


His kisses trailed down her neck, sending shivers down her spine as his hands worked at the fabric of her clothes, peeling them away piece by piece. Aeryn gasped as her bare skin met the cool air, but Alex’s body quickly covered hers, his warmth chasing away the chill.


Their eyes met again, and Aeryn saw something flicker in Alex’s gaze—something primal, possessive, and deeply protective. He lowered his lips to her ear, his voice a rough whisper.


“You’re mine, Aeryn,” he growled, his breath hot against her skin. “And I’ll never let anyone—Jack or anyone else—take you from me.”


Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers again, and the world around them melted away. There was no danger, no Jack, no future to worry about. There was only Alex and the undeniable connection that burned between them, pulling them closer with every touch, every kiss.


And as the night wore on, their bodies tangled in the sheets, Aeryn realized that no matter what dangers lay ahead, she was bound to Alex in a way she could never escape. And deep down, she wasn’t sure she wanted to.