by Hope Hart
“It was definitely a surprise,” he says. His eyes heat as he stares at the jewels circling my neck and dangling from my ears. “We are still learning each other. I promise I will work to be the male who deserves you.”
“A male who doesn’t jump to conclusions?”
He looks remorseful at that, and I laugh. He studies the painting some more before sending me a wicked smile in return. “Now drop that blanket so I can thank you properly.”
Arix spends all night thanking me properly. In the morning, I groan at a knock on the door, burying my head under the covers. Next to me, Arix laughs. He’s not usually a morning person, but satisfaction is rolling off him in waves this morning.
After the way he made me scream his name last night, I can’t really blame him.
Arix pats me on the butt and rolls out of bed, wrapping a blanket around his waist. He opens the door, and I can practically hear the frown in his voice.
“Pexor,” he murmurs, and I sit up out of sight.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, Your Majesty.”
“From the look on your face, you’re not bringing good news.”
“It’s the commander, Your Majesty.”
I get out of bed at that, reaching for my dress. Arix flicks me a glance, waiting until I’m dressed before he waves Pexor in.
“What about the commander?” I ask, my pulse racing. Sarissa. Oh God, what if something’s happened to Sarissa?
“One of the cooks was working with your enemies, Your Majesty. One of the other cooks found poison at her workstation.”
Arix’s expression is terrible. “What has she said so far?”
Pexor sighs. “She has been taken to the dungeons. But she was the cook in charge of preparing the commander’s food for this trip.”
I step forward. “Korzyn isn’t stupid, right? Didn’t you say he’s one of the most paranoid people you know?”
Arix wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “He’s paranoid about my safety. Right now, he’s focused on keeping your cousin alive. He won’t be expecting to be targeted himself.”
I rub my arms, suddenly freezing. “Why would they target him? There’s no point.”
He shrugs. “Revenge, perhaps. The commander has insisted I have people taste my food ever since I took the throne. There was no way anyone could target me through my food and get away with it. They would likely find it ironic to kill my commander.”
“We have to find them.”
Arix nods. “I will get messages to all our allies on that side of the water.” He turns to Pexor. “Begin drafting those messages and ensuring we have warriors ready to travel today.”
Panic makes my hands shake. But beneath the panic is warmth. Comfort. Because whatever I face next, I’ll face it with this man at my side. And that means I can face anything.
Arix obviously takes my silence as worry, because he takes my hands in his, pressing his lips to the knuckles on each of my hands. “If we have to, we’ll go after them ourselves. We’ll find them. I promise you.”
How did I get so lucky?
“I love you,” I murmur, and I can’t help but laugh as Arix points toward the door and Pexor hightails it out of our rooms.
“I love you too,” he purrs. “How about I show you just how much?”
I squeal as he lifts me into his arms, marching back toward his bed.
The End
Thank you for reading Enticed by the Alien Warrior! I had so much fun writing Vivian and Arix- two people who were still reeling from the events of their past, and determined not to allow anyone close enough to hurt them again.
Next up is Sarissa’s story in Conquered by the Alien Warrior. Conquered is the final book in the Warriors of Agron series, however many of the women who landed in the second ship will be appearing in the spin-off series releasing early next year.
I can’t tell you too much about it yet, but I’m super excited for the new adventures and romance to come!
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I’m also active on Facebook. Come say hi at Hope Hart Author.
Stay safe, and happy reading x
Also by Hope Hart
The Arcav Alien Invasion Series
The Arcav King's Mate
The Arcav Commander's Human
The Arcav General's Woman
The Arcav Prince's Captive
A Very Arcav Christmas
The Arcav Captain's Queen
The Arcav Guard's Female
The Warriors of Agron Series
Taken by the Alien Warrior
Claimed by the Alien Warrior
Saved by the Alien Warrior
Seduced by the Alien Warrior
Protected by the Alien Warrior
Captured by the Alien Warrior
Rescued by the Alien Warrior
Enticed by the Alien Warrior
Conquered by the Alien Warrior
