"Harm this child again, and you'll have more than me to worry about.Vallex follows where I lead, and trust me—you don't want him at your door."She pocketed the witness's contact details and turned to Krevan with a sigh."I need food.And thank you for intervening.Another moment and I'd have knocked her flat."As they settled back at their table, the restaurant's usual chatter had diminished to whispers.Diners stole glances at Ancelin—some nodding with newfound respect, others watching with wary fascination.
A woman with auburn hair hesitated briefly before approaching their table."Hello, Mr.Vallex, could I speak to your partner?"the woman inquired.
Krevan nodded.
"Not many stand up to Melra like that," the woman whispered, glancing over her shoulder."Been happening for months.I'll back your report."She squeezed Ancelin's arm before disappearing into the crowd.
Krevan nudged the untouched plate toward Ancelin."Your burger's congealing."
Ancelin poked at the food, her appetite dulled."I couldn't just sit here.Not when she was—" Her voice caught."Not when I could do something about it."
"You did the right thing.I used to care about such matters too.Earth humans, not familiar with Triaxe, and other humanoids often misjudge Triaxen males, thinking we're mean.I was a skilled doctor, saving lives—Earth humans, other humanoids, and Triaxen humanoids alike," Krevan explained to Ancelin."I have a special concern for children and would never harm an innocent one."
"On Triaxe, other humanoids don’t think Triaxens are mean?”
"No, they're not as fearful.They can be cautious, but they understand us better.We coexist there.People tend to fear unfamiliarity, especially if it’s stronger or larger.Earth humans sought my medical expertise because my skills exceed those of an Earth human doctor.They wanted my surgical abilities but might not invite me to share a meal," Krevan elaborated."My reflexes and Triaxen abilities made me an outstanding surgeon, among other things.I cherished my work, saving lives, and offering people second chances."
"If Earth humans were wary of Triaxens, why did Mr.Grusop want you to marry his daughter?"Ancelin asked.
"Greed.Pure and simple.Plus, he knew more about my people," Krevan's jaw tightened."Her father dangled me like a prize, and she saw the benefits—extended youth, perfect health.They assumed I couldn't resist her."His eyes darkened.“However, only out of obedience to my grandfather and honoring my father, I married her, but I couldn’t mate with her.He shook his head."Our marriage lasted barely eleven months.We lived separate lives under one roof.The wedding was theater—extravagant, media-saturated.Gillian basked in every camera flash.We were Triaxe's power couple, headline news even on Earth."His laugh held no humor."Those wedding photos mock me still.They painted us as star-crossed lovers when we were anything but."
"Was there ever a connection between you two?"
"Not even remotely.She always rubbed me the wrong way."
"That must have been difficult."
“I managed.I submerged myself in my work.”He finished one of his sandwiches.“It happens or it doesn’t.She carried the scent of other men constantly.Beautiful, yes, but hollow—a vessel for vanity and manipulation.The universe revolved around her needs alone.Our few intimate encounters were..."he paused, "mechanical.Cold.She was fine with pleasure without connection.She enjoyed rough and emotionless sex.”He shrugged.“And don’t get me wrong, that used to be fine with me too.I am a Triaxen male.However, I grew to despise her presence."
With the bill paid and the abusive mother reported at the clinic, they made their way toward the market.Ancelin's footsteps grew heavier with each block.
"Your energy is fading," Krevan noted, his tone gentle.
"Down to empty."
"My arms are yours if you need them."
"Just a little further."She looked up at his profile against the afternoon light."I didn't mean to ask uncomfortable questions earlier.And back there, with that child—something just snapped in me.I couldn't stand by."
"Ancelin, what you did to protect that child has only deepened my love for you.You're brave and kind.Others were impressed by your actions as well; no one else dared to step in for that child's sake.You’re a strong, courageous woman, and you did the right thing," Krevan reassured her, taking her hand."I used to do the right things, too, until my life took a turn and I became who I am now."
"Maybe I'm brave, or maybe I'm just stupid," Ancelin said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear."Is it okay to ask about before?Your past?"
"Ask me anything."Krevan's voice dropped lower."You're my mate now.No secrets between us."
Something fluttered in Ancelin's chest at those words.She gripped his hand tighter, afraid to trust this feeling—this safety that seemed too good to last.
"Earlier, you mentioned 'what you are now.'What did you mean?"
Krevan's eyes darkened."I survived Hellgate Prison when most don't.Triaxen biology helped, but..."His knuckles whitened around his glass."I went in one man and came out something else.Before, I protected people.Had purpose.Was damn good at it too."He met her gaze directly."Now I'm just three things: a warrior, a survivor, and when necessary, a killer."
"Krevan, we’ve both endured our own hells.Now that we've found each other, I believe you're my guardian angel."Ancelin wrapped her arms around him in a close embrace."I want to make love to you, my angel," she whispered."Let's head home quickly."
"I'm all for leaving to fulfill your request," Krevan teased, his voice a low rumble against her ear.They hurried through the remainder of their shopping, the weight of the day's confrontation still hanging between them.As they left town, darkness swallowed the path ahead, not a single star piercing the void above.Krevan's hand found hers, his grip suddenly tighter than necessary.When she glanced up at his face, his eyes were scanning the blackness beyond the path—searching for something only he could sense.
Chapter 7
The Verrian moons vanished as if they were swallowed whole, plunging their vehicle into darkness so complete that for one terrifying moment, Ancelin couldn't tell if her eyes were open or closed.A crack of thunder shook the ground beneath them, and Krevan's knuckles whitened against the steering controls.
