Xizi nodded. “Yes, some of those humans have found a place among our people.”
“How many humans at this sanctuary are we talking about?” she asked, wanting to know more.
“Many, according to what I’ve heard.” While his gaze was fixed on her, he brushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear. “And they are sssafe and well cared for. The sanctuary is a sssafe haven where we can all coexist without fear of persecution or harm, both from within and outside forces.”
Ashley’s mind was spinning. The idea of willingly leaving her life on Earth behind was both terrifying and exhilarating. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what her future would hold now that she was among the stars. But one thing was certain: with Xizi by her side, she was ready for anything.
“Will they all be like you?” she asked, glancing up at him.
Xizi smiled down at her. “No, they will not all look like me. But they will all have their own unique qualities and strengths.”
Ashley chewed on her bottom lip, considering his words. “So what happens once we get to this sanctuary?”
“We’ll be greeted by the council and given a tour of the facilitiesss,” Xizi explained. “They’ll assign us to our living quarters and provide us with any necessary resources. From there, we can explore the sssanctuary and get to know our new home, and everyone there.”
Ashley nodded slowly, feeling a mix of apprehension and excitement. She was still processing the fact that she was now a part of this alien world, but she couldn’t deny the sense of adventure that came with it. “And what about... us?” she asked, gesturing between them.
Xizi’s expression softened as he gazed at her. “We will continue to get to know each other, myenax. And if you’ll still allow me, I will court you properly and ssshow you how much I care for you.”
Ashley’s heart fluttered at his words, but she couldn’t help the twinge of doubt that lingered in the back of her mind. Could she really trust him? Could she really trust any of these aliens?
As if sensing her thoughts, Xizi leaned in closer and cupped her cheek. “I know this is all new and scary, but I promise to protect you and keep you sssafe. You have nothing to fear with me by your ssside.”
“I’d be foolish to mess with you,” she teased, biting her bottom lip. “You’re a huge, terrifying monster alien... and a delicious one at that.”
Ashley’s teasing remark made Xizi’s lips curve into a grin. He let out a deep chuckle and pulled her closer to him.
Xizi chuckled, his amusement lighting up his features as he leaned in closer to Ashley, his warm breath tickling her skin. “I’m not ssscary,” he protested, but his eyes glinted with amusement. “And it seems like my large scary monster alien ssself is pretty sexy to you, myenax.”
Ashley giggled and playfully pushed him away. “Oh, shut up. You know what I mean,” she said, still grinning.
Xizi’s expression softened as he looked at her. “I do know what you mean, Ashley. And I feel the sssame way about you. You are the most beautiful and fascinating creature I have ever laid eyes on,” he said, his voice low and husky.
Ashley felt her cheeks warm at his words. She was starting to believe that maybe they were meant to be together. She snuggled closer to him, feeling safe and loved in his arms.
Xizi shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “I suppose I can sssee how that might be intimidating to some. But I promise you, my dear, I’m anything but ssscary. In fact, I’m quite charming.”
Ashley rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her own lips. “Charming, huh? I guess I’ll just have to take your word for it.”
Xizi leaned closer to her, his breath hot against her cheek. “Or I could ssshow you,” he murmured, his voice low and seductive. “I can ssshow you how much of a monster I am compared to humans… But I promise, I won’t hurt you.”
Ashley smiled back at him, feeling a sense of ease around him. “I know you won’t,” she replied. “You’re too sweet to hurt anyone.”
Xizi leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, causing her heart to flutter. “I’m glad you think ssso,” he whispered.
As they held each other close, Ashley couldn’t shake the feeling that she was falling hard for Xizi. It was like something deep inside of her had been awakened, and she couldn’t deny the intense attraction she felt for him.
She tried to push the feeling away, telling herself that it was crazy to feel this way so soon. They had just met, and yet here she was, wanting to be with him in ways that she never thought possible.
But there was something preventing her from doing so…
Why should she deny herself the opportunity to finally live out her wildest fantasies? And now, here she was, safe in the arms and tail of an alien male who had sworn eternal love to her.
Why shouldn’t she enjoy having all of her fantasies come true?
Xizi must have sensed her hesitation, because he pulled back slightly to look at her, his piercing blue eyes searching her face.
“Ashley, isss everything all right?” he asked, concern etched on his handsome features.
