Possessive Alien’s Mate by Luna Hunter
Chapter Twelve
Thiray
Viliana growsrestless as she waits for my brother to arrive. I tolerate her help, but it pains me to see the worry in her beautiful eyes. This is not how things should be, but it cannot be helped.
Finally, on the third day my ship rumbles as my brother’s ship docks. I get out of bed and wander to the main hall to welcome him in. The airlock opens, and the women gasp collectively as he steps into the room.
We look a lot alike, my brother and I, save for the scars.
A deep scar runs across his face diagonally. His chest is covered with many cuts, bruises, and scars as well. He’s proud of them, his battle wounds. He could heal them if he wanted to, but he prefers the proof of his dedication to Yssadril to be visible to all.
“Females,” my brother smirks. “Hello.”
“My quarters, now,” I growl.
“You’re not going to introduce me?”
“Now.”
I beckon and he follows begrudgingly. He’s two years younger than me, which for our centuries-long lifespan is negligible. Despite our similar ages and upbringings, we couldn’t be more different. I am responsible, he is reckless. I am devoted to the Balance and sworn off mates…
Until Viliana came into my life.
Vullar doesn't take devotion that seriously. The sacred texts are mere guidelines to him. To be bent and broken when he pleases. Sampling mates from all sectors is all part of protecting the Balance, according to his own faulty logic.
Still, for his many faults, there is no one in the universe I would trust more than him. We might be different, but our bond cannot be broken.
If I can get him to take me seriously for once.
“So, what’s the problem?” Vullar says.
“Is that how you greet your older brother?”
He scoffs. “By two years, come on. That’s a rounding error.”
“It still counts.”
Vullar sits down in my chair and places his dirty boots on my desk. “Count these.” He drops a stack of Gowan chips on my desk.
“Where have you been? Mucking around on Haepan?”
“Something like that. There was a contract on a Yuzayan. I was on my way to collect when you called, so I rushed over as soon as possible. Are you going to tell me why or do you want me to guess? Okay, I’ll guess. You can’t satisfy all these females on your own and you need my help?”
I am instantly boiling with rage. “The women are not to be touched,” I growl, baring my fangs. “Is that understood?”
“Why not? Women are made to be touched.”
“Is that understood?!”
He raises his palms. “Sure, brother. Whatever you say. I haven’t seen you this angry in… forever, I think. Are you doing okay?”
I sink into one of my chairs. “Not really, little brother.
“I’ve been poisoned.”
“A Maezayn?!” He gasps.
“No, a Crokkal.”
“What? How could those slow beings ever get to you?”
The moment flashes back into my mind. Viliana with her arm bleeding profusely, the heavy feeling of guilt and dread in my stomach. I have not regretted saving her life for even a second.
“It doesn’t matter. I must travel home as soon as possible. I can take the needle, but I do not want to leave the women behind unguarded.”
“You called me to babysit a bunch of females?” Vullar asks.
“These women need protection,” I say. “The Uttux are after them.”
“The Uttux?” Vullar sucks in a breath through his teeth. “The Council is not going to like this.”
“We have stayed on the sidelines for far too long. It is time for us to choose sides.”
“That is not the Way, brother.”
“Frell the Way.”
Vullar laughs. “What has gotten into you? This is not like you, brother. You were the one who instructed me in the ways of the Balance.”
“I have learned the error of my ways, brother.”
My eyes dart towards the door. My brother doesn’t miss a single detail.
“The females? Don’t tell me?”
“Shut up.”
“You’ve marked one of them?!”
“I have not.”
But I’m dangerously close.
“They need protection,” I stress again. “Take my ship to Doxhar; hand them over to the Dohan. They will take over your duties.”
“Those brutes?” Vullar scoffs.
“Yes. They are under their protection, and I have given them my word that I will deliver the females to them, unharmed. Do you understand?”
“Don’t worry, big brother. I understand. The females are safe with me.”
Good. Now comes the hard part.
Saying goodbye to Viliana.