Page 22 of Protected By the Alien Bodyguard

“Then let’s go.”

The trip down to the planet is unremarkable. Kayla and I use the Commander’s tiny personal shuttle. The advantage of using his spaceship is that it’s automated, our destination pre-programmed.

The jewel of a planet below us is gorgeous; pristine, clear oceans sparkling in the evening light. Thick, lush green jungles pass beneath us as we get closer to our destination.

My nerves climb higher and higher with each passing moment. My heart thuds in my chest, hard enough that I can hear each beat resounding in my ears. Is this how Kayla feels all the time?

The ship’s landing gear touches down smoothly. I turn to face the door, waiting for the hiss of depressurization. Instinctively I step between Kayla and the outside world. My tail reaches behind me, wrapping around her wrist, prepared to guide her to safety and shelter should everything fall into chaos.

This moment… It feels monumental. Something’s about to happen, something that will change my life.

If only my little mate wasn’t so tight-lipped about whatever was happening. Still, her very edge of excitement just fuels my need to move, to do something, anything. I’ve never felt so fired up in my entire life.

Bright light flares into the small cockpit as the door swings open.

“I totally could have broken that door down if I wanted to,” a familiar voice says.

“Yeah, good luck with that. You might be strong, but you aren’t strong enough to take on a plated, reinforced hatch,” another male replies. “Me, on the other hand? I could have picked that lock and been through within moments of his landing. I’ve done it before, right Valtair?”

Valtair?

My knees shake as I step forward, squinting against the brightness that brings water to my eyes. Volan was an old buddy, a pilot who used to fly my prince and me around the galaxy.

“Oh, please don’t remind me of that experience. And I’m with Sutek on this, you definitely couldn’t have broken down that door,” Volan replies.

I grip the edge of the door frame, definitely stumbling forward. A laugh bubbles up from my chest. Sutek’s an old sparring partner. As a trained assassin, loyal to my prince, we regularly trained together to improve our fighting skills.

“I’m sure I could have,” the first male grumbles. “I don’t see why you won’t let me try.”

I recognize that voice anywhere. Taruk. A male responsible for training the beasts at the palace, and one of the prince’s closest confidants.

If they are all here, that means…

A figure steps into view. He’s got red skin, just like me. His horns tower high, glistening in the warm afternoon light. He flicks his long, black hair over his shoulder and sends me an arrogant smile. There might be a few more wrinkles around his eyes and he may be dressed in commoner’s clothing, but the male standing before me is undeniable.

“My prince,” I practically fall out of the ship in my haste, my foot slipping on the last step.

Against all expectations, Prince Rist steps forward. Warm arms wrap around me, steadying me. He’s put on some bulk since I last saw him—his grip strong.

Prince Rist holds me at arm’s length, his astute gaze studying me.

“No kneeling,” he commands me. “It’s just Rist now.”

Even though he claims to have abandoned his rightful claim to the throne, he still has the ability to speak every phrase like a command. Or perhaps, that’s because I have always trusted this male to lead me.

“It’s time for a fresh start, Jaraz. Most of us are here; Volan’s even visiting us for this reunion. And look, Taruk’s up and about!”

Sure enough, my gaze drifts over the line of my comrades. Volan dressed like a pirate with a laser pistol and a traditional sword attached to his hip. He looks ridiculous. Beside him is a small human female who is quick to wave a greeting to Kayla.

Taruk hovers behind him, scars lining his face. He tries to smile, but it looks a bit more like a grimace than anything. Still, his eyes shine with a happiness I haven’t seen in some time.

“Brothers,” I choke on the word.

“Hey, you can’t forget me!” Sutek announces, stepping forward. He’s grinning as if he doesn’t have a care in the world. Knowing him, he doesn’t; he probably has enough firepower aimed at my temporary spaceship to blast us all the way to the local moon at the first sign of trouble. He’s always been a bit extreme. Beside him is another human female, multiple laser pistols proudly strapped to her chest. She pushes forward and draws Kayla into her arms, the two hugging fiercely. No hesitation, just acceptance.

I’m home. I’m finally with my family again. I’m finally complete.

“Welcome home, Jaraz,” Rist smiles and says, “and welcome to the Alien Hotel.”

THE END…