The Alien’s Unwanted Bride (Alien Brides #4)

Chapter 12

TWELVE

I n the deep tunnels of the Shadow Lands cave, Dravek wanted nothing more but to taste this incredible woman in his arms. But as his luck would have it, the exasperating little bot interrupted at the precise wrong time.

He released Zora, stepping back, feeling the loss of her warmth keenly, but he forced himself to focus on Sprig’s words.

“What is it, Sprig?” Zora asked.

“I have detected a water source. It could be an underground spring.”

Dravek considered this information, his tactical mind already assessing the potential benefits and risks. “An underground spring would be useful. We need to refill our water supplies. But we’ll need to remain vigilant. We don’t know what else might be drawn to the water source.”

They followed Sprig’s guidance, winding through narrow passages until the sound of gently bubbling water reached their ears. The passage opened into a small cavern, and both Dravek and Zora gasped at the sight before them.

The walls were lined with luminescent crystals that cast a soft, ethereal glow over the stream of flowing water. It was a hidden oasis, untouched and beautiful.

“It’s amazing,” Zora breathed, already moving closer to the water’s edge. She dipped her hand in. “It’s cold.”

Dravek scanned the cavern, noting with approval that there was only one entrance – easy to defend if necessary. “It seems safe enough. We should take a break.”

Several feet from the rocky creek lay a patch of the soft, springy moss that seemed prevalent in this lower cave. She took a seat, letting out a sigh when getting off her feet.

“This is divine,” Zora said. “I feel like I could stay here a long time.”

“It is... pleasant,” Dravek admitted, allowing himself to relax slightly. “Though we shouldn’t linger too long. We still need to find a way out before it gets too late.”

Zora laughed softly. “Always focused on the mission. But you’re right, of course.”

He sighed and rubbed a hand along the back of his neck. “Zora,” he said, “how did you know what those creatures were? I’ve never seen anything like them.”

“That is a good question.” Her brows drew down and she sucked her bottom lip into her luscious mouth. “I’m not sure,” she replied. “I just knew—” Her eyes became unfocused as if recalling something. “Wait. I remember my mother telling me a story with shadow stalkers when I was little.”

“What was it?” he asked.

“Red Riding Hood used puffs from her basket to kill the stalkers.”

“Red who?” Dravek asked.

She crooked a smile. “Not important. But what is important is that my mother knew about them way back when.”

He still wondered how she knew these creatures. “Are those creatures on Earth?”

“No,” she replied. “Since you’ve never seen one, I think they only exist in this Xuevisian place. In fact…” she looked at the ceiling, “my mother used to describe her home as having sentient plants and flora that reacted to emotions a lot like the ones we just walked through.”

Her mother’s home? His brow raised. “Are you saying your mother is from this Xuevis planet?”

She was speechless. Who was her mother? What the stars was going on? More and more questions tumbled through his mind. He began to question who this beautiful woman beside him really was. The fear on her face worried him.

Dravek scooped her hands into his. “Zora, are you all right?”

“No,” she answered. “Not really. Has my whole life been a lie? Is my mother from another planet? What about my father? Does he know? Am I part Xuevisian? What if my people are enemies with your people?”

“Zora,” he said softly, halting her downward spiral into a panic attack.

She turned to him, her eyes widening slightly at his caring tone. “Yes.”

His mind raced with questions and concerns. The biggest being keeping Zora calm. He struggled to find the words. “I... I want you to know that no matter where your DNA is from, it won’t change anything between us.”

“What’s between us?” she asked.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, his gaze flickered to her lips, then back to her eyes, a question in her look.

Sensing his intent, she leaned toward him, meeting him halfway.

When their lips met, it was soft, sweet, and full of promise. Dravek’s arms encircled Zora’s waist, scooting her onto his lap as he returned the kiss with a gentleness that belied his warrior’s strength.

As they parted, both slightly breathless, Dravek kept his arms around Zora, holding her close. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

“I never expected this,” Dravek admitted quietly. “When I first met you, I thought you were...”

Zora tilted her head up to look at him, a smile playing on her lips. “Reckless? Frustrating?” she supplied with a soft laugh.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through both of them. “All of that. But also... intriguing. Captivating. I didn’t know how to process those feelings.”

Zora’s hand came up to cup his cheek, and he leaned into her touch. “And now?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with warmth and a hint of mischief. “This unknown part of me doesn’t bother you?”

“No,” Dravek said, his voice filled with wonder, “In fact, I’m beginning to understand what my brothers have found. What I never thought I’d experience myself.”

“And what’s that?” Zora’s gaze was tender as she looked at him.

Dravek took a deep breath, allowing himself to be vulnerable in a way he never had before. “The possibility of a true partnership.”

Zora’s smile widened, and she leaned in again, silently asking for another kiss.

This kiss was filled with the promise of a future neither of them had dared to imagine. When they finally broke apart, Zora tucked against Dravek’s frame in the soft glow of the crystal cave, both felt a profound shift. The duty-bound prince and the curious scientist were still there, but now there was room for something more.

Sprig floated up into their line of sight. “Sorry to intrude this romantic moment on the floor of a cave, but I’ve detected an anomaly ahead.”

Dravek snorted, not happy at being interrupted again. “The last time you said that it was only water.”

Sprig stared at them with unblinking mechanical eyes. “I understand your concern. I shall put it into Earth vernacular so Zora Arison will better comprehend.” He cleared his electronic throat. “Up ahead, there is some funky-ass mojo going down I think we should check out.”