Alien Warrior’s Treasure by Sue Mercury

Chapter 7

Gavvin guidedMolly through the forest, keeping to the white stone path. Dawn wasn’t far off, but the darkness remained thick in the trees, and the nighttime insects were still buzzing and screeching in full force. He tightened his hold on Molly’s hand as they continued on the path, his gaze repeatedly scanning the forest for any signs of danger. The urge to protect her hadn’t abated in the least. If anything, the overwhelming need to keep her safe had increased since the moment he’d first spotted her in the forest.

He didn’t want to return her to Khann’s home. He wanted to keep her locked in his house deep in the forest, where he would be certain she was safe.

Giving her a pointed stare, he said, “You must promise not to sneak out again, sweet human. You must promise not to go anywhere by yourself.” Sweet human. He cringed. He shouldn’t have called her that. Not now. Not when they were about to say goodbye forever.

To his shock, she shot him a defiant look. “I can’t promise that.”

Frustration swelled within him, and he had the sudden urge to grab her by the shoulders and shake her. “You must not put yourself in danger.” The thought of her running into the bear again was maddening. And the prospect of her crossing paths with an unmated Vaxxlian warrior made him feel murderous. Most unmated warriors would not be as chivalrous as him. Most would carry her off, force her to repeat mating vows, and claim her without hesitation.

“I’ll be sure to bring a stunner with me that actually works next time I leave the house,” she said with an air of haughtiness that made him want to kiss her senseless, toss her over his shoulder, and carry her back to his home. He suppressed a growl.

“Where did you drop the stunner?”

She gestured to her right, where yet another stream cut through the forest. The moonlight sparkled off the rushing water. “Somewhere around there, I think. Could we try to find it? I would feel awful if I lost it.” A more subdued look came over her.

“Yes, I’m sure we’ll be able to find it.” He tugged her onto the footpath that led to the stream. The moonlight provided more than adequate illumination, and it wasn’t long before he located the stunner in the tall grasses at the edge of a small clearing. They were close to where he’d found her facing off with the bear.

“Oh thank you!” she said, reaching for the stunner.

After a quick glance at the weapon, he passed it to her. “This type of stunner requires a Vaxxlian biosignature. You’re human. That’s why it didn’t work when you pressed the trigger.”

Her face fell. “Are all stunners like that?”

“Most of those you’d find on New Vaxx are.” He studied her in the moonlight as a breeze ruffled her hair. The sweet scent of her reached him and his cock shifted in his pants. Fluxx, he wanted her, and he hated that he must soon tell her goodbye. But Star God, it was for the best. She deserved happiness, something she would never find with him.

“Do blasters require a Vaxxlian biosignature to work as well?” A mischievous yet hopeful look gleamed in her eyes.

He growled. “Usually, yes. But even so, I hope you aren’t thinking about stealing a blaster from Khann. You could misfire and hurt yourself.” He grabbed hold of her upper arm and stepped closer, leveling a look of disapproval on her.

“I was just kidding around,” she said with a broad smile. “I wouldn’t actually steal a blaster. I know they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them. Besides, Khann and his brothers have all the good weapons locked up, to keep them away from Amie.”

“Who’s Amie?”

“Khann’s six-year-old human step-daughter. Back on Earth, I worked as an on-call babysitter for a fancy hotel, and I was hired to watch Amie a few times. That’s how I met my friend Belle—Amie’s mother, that is—who then went on to become Khann’s mate.”

The tension drained from Gavvin. “Good. I’m glad you don’t have access to dangerous weapons.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Well, I wish I had a stunner that worked for me. Hmm. I suppose next time I sneak out, I can swipe a knife from the kitchen to use for protection.”

Was she joking again? He leaned closer and studied her expression. She looked serious, and this prompted another growl to rumble from his chest. “You will not sneak out again, Molly. I want you to promise me.”

She tucked the stunner into her dress pocket and shook her head. “I-I can’t promise that.”

“Why not?”

“What if I want to visit you again?” She exhaled a shaky breath and placed a hand on his forearm. Starlight reflected in her eyes as she peered up at him, her expression one of open longing.

The moment hope rose in his chest, he crushed it down. He couldn’t see her again. Even if everything inside him burned to claim her now, here in the darkened forest, on a bed of glowing flowers near the stream.

“Gavvin? I-I would like to visit you again.”

“Why?” His voice came out deep and raspy, as if he hadn’t used it in a while.

“Because I… I enjoyed our time together. You’re easy to talk to and you’re a good cook—thanks again for dinner, by the way—and if I might be so bold, I think you liked my company, too. It feels like we just went on a date, an incredible date filled with bear chases and moonlit walks.” A sweet smile touched her lips. “I know Vaxxlians don’t date—you do the whole arranged marriage or claim-on-site like a caveman sort of thing—but in my culture—”

“You will not visit me again,” he interrupted in a tone brimming with agitation. Pushing her away pained him, but he had to do it. He couldn’t lead her on, and he hated himself for what he must do—what he must say to keep her away. “I do not wish to see you again, Molly.”

“What? You don’t?” The crestfallen look on her face nearly caused him to retract his words.

“No, I do not.” He released his hold on her and turned back to the white stone path. “Come, it is time you go home.”

“But didn’t you enjoy our time together?” she asked.

“No, Molly, I did not enjoy our time together. I was simply being polite.” Yes, I did, it was the best night I’ve spent in years. Of course, I want to see you again. More than anything. I didn’t mean any of the cruel things I said. These thoughts echoed in his mind, and he wished he could be honest with her at this moment. Perhaps the other warriors were correct—he lacked honor. What kind of warrior lied to a precious female? Surely not an honorable one.

Molly’s expression transformed to one of shocked pain, though she quickly schooled her features, as if not wishing for him to realize how hurt she was over his rejection. Fluxx, he really did hate himself right now.

She remained silent during the trip back to Khann’s house, though he could sense her sadness and even her anger. He’d insulted her and she had every right to be upset with him. Guilt ravaged him but he refused to withdraw his cruel words.

“That is Khann’s house, right?” he asked, pointing through the trees at the large stone structure that contained three wings.

Not meeting his gaze, she nodded. Then she walked away without a word, her head held high and her pace steady. He admired her resilience, and there was a moment he almost called out an apology to her, but he pressed his lips together and told himself it was better this way. It was better if she disliked him.

He couldn’t make a habit of entertaining a human female visitor, especially one who incited his desires and made him second guess all his reasons for remaining unmated. Yes, it was better this way. Giving her false hope would be unkind.

They would likely never see one another again. His heart ached at the thought, and jealousy seared through him knowing she would probably visit Vaxxlian Matchmakers soon.

He inhaled deep breaths, attempting to calm himself, as he watched her approach the house as the first rays of morning sun pierced through the surrounding trees. In the light of day, her hair shone golden as the sun itself, and his fingers tingled with the memory of touching her soft tresses.

When she started climbing the side of the house, his heart leapt in his chest and he bolted in her direction, ready to catch her should she fall.

“What are you doing?” he whisper-shouted, not wanting to wake anyone in the house.

She paused climbing and peered over her shoulder at him, meeting his eyes for the first time since he’d insulted her. “Climbing to the rooftop garden. You didn’t think I snuck out through the front door, did you? Khann or one of his brothers always remember to set the security system at night. It’s early and I don’t want to set it off and wake the whole house.” She returned her focus to climbing.

He gaped at her, stunned that she was climbing so high. “Be careful!”

She paused and glared over her shoulder at him. “What do you care if I fall? You said you never want to see me again.” She huffed and resumed her ascent up the wall.

“That doesn’t mean I want to see you hurt. Please be careful.” He came to stand directly beneath her, holding his arms apart, ready to catch her if she slipped on the protruding stones.

Relief filled him when she reached the top and crawled onto the roof. But his spirits sank when she didn’t look down at him one last time. He heard the light patter of her footsteps, then the closing of a door. She’d just walked off without a final farewell. Not that he deserved one.

He replayed the terrible things he’d said to her.

You will not visit me again.

I don’t wish to see you again.

I did not enjoy our time together.

He walked back into the forest.

Alone. Like the outcast he was.