Page 34 of Loving the Alien Spy

I study him, trying to read beneath the words he’s saying to the unspoken, but it’s all a mystery to me. He says there are thingshe can’t tell me yet, though I can’t help but hear “maybe not ever.” Except, what can I do other than what he’s asking and trust him?

“Okay. I’ll trust you.” Bannik leans in again to kiss me, but I place my finger over his lips. “Please don’t break my heart.”

Pain, or maybe regret, flashes in his eyes before he nods. “I will do everything in my power not to.”

Since that is the best I’m probably going to get, I suppose I have to take it. This time, it’s me who gives him a quick kiss. “I’m really glad you stopped by, but you should probably get some rest if you have a shift in the morning.”

He hesitates but finally stands, although he moves sluggishly. Or, maybe more accurately, painfully. He towers over me, and while I should get up as well and walk him out, I can’t find the energy. Bannik stares down at me for a few more seconds before he gives me what barely passes as a smile and heads for the door. He opens it, pauses to glance over his shoulder, and once more studies me.

“Good night.” His voice is soft and quiet.

“Good night.”

Before I have a chance to say anything else—even if I wanted to—he steps out into the walkway and closes the door behind him. I have no idea how long I sit there before I drag myself into my bedroom and crawl beneath the covers. It’s even longer before I finally manage to fall asleep.

Chapter 17

Carrik

This day has only gone from bad to worse. I’d hated leaving things with Lindsey the way I had last night. All I’d wanted to do, for the first time in my life, was confess everything. All the secrets. The lies. But already one person too many knows the truth. My father would be disappointed that I have not followed the rules we have lived by since our earliest ancestors. Rules I never once questioned until Lindsey.

My patrol rotation has ended, and I weave through the streets of Preska—artfully dodging bodies—as I make my way from the barracks to Warik’s tavern. Night has long since arrived, but considering the number of people who wander the streets—Bohnari and other species alike—one wouldn’t know it.

The city lights glow on each corner, although many dark passageways between buildings offer any number of hiding places for those waiting to cause trouble. Up ahead lies Warik’s tavern, its brightly lit sign beckoning those who pass by to enter.It’s a well-frequented place by residents and off-world visitors alike.

Warik serves generously poured drinks for a fair price. And although none are Bohnari, a few females of varying species reside upstairs and offer short-term companionship. If one has enough credits. Has Bannik ever sought their services? I hope not, because I have no intention of taking my brother’s identity that far.

Inside, the tavern is warm and friendly. It smells of fermented fruit and ale. Tables lie peppered throughout, each of them close to fully occupied from the one nearest the door all the way to the one that sits in the farthest dark corner. Stools line the bar, and only two or three currently remain empty.

No one pays me attention as I make my way through the room in search of Ryvik. After a complete circuit and still not spotting him, I find an empty table near the back and wait. If he isn’t here within fifteen ticks, I’ll return to the barracks despite my insatiable curiosity for what knowledge he possesses.

While I wait, I scan the tavern, taking in the variety of patrons. Over the many cycles I’ve traveled off-world to other planets, taverns are where I’ve gathered the most intel. Too much ale tends to loosen tongues and inhibitions. If I had not been so focused on gaining Horek’s trust, along with the queen’s, I would have sought out this place much sooner. But maintaining a low profile at first had been my priority.

Moments later, Ryvik approaches carrying two mugs. He sits and places one in front of me.

“You look like you could use this,” he says with a smirk that makes me uneasy.

I don’t offer any thanks, merely fold my hands around the mug without lifting it to take a drink. His grin grows as he clearly notices my refusal to partake before he lifts his gaze to my face.

“What is it you wished to discuss?” No matter that I desire to discover what Ryvik knows, I also don’t feel like playing any games.

“Are you in a hurry to get somewhere? Perhaps to see someone…special?”

My claws extract and my fangs lengthen. I clench my jaw hard enough to make it ache, and the flames of fire lick at my veins. The cracking sound of the mug held tightly within my grasp is loud in the din of conversation drifting around the tavern.

Ryvik laughs. “Relax, Bannik. No one is threatening your heart’s fire.”

“If I thought for a moment you were, you’d be dead right now.” I will my body to stop reacting. “Why don’t you tell me why we’re really here? You mentioned something about my brother.”

The male across from me sighs in an exaggerated fashion. “Since when have you become so serious, Bannik?”

I say nothing. Just continue glaring at Ryvik, who raises his hands in surrender.

“Were you aware your brother has been keeping secrets from you?” he begins.

“My brother and I haven’t spoken in over ten anums. I’m sure there are many things he has kept from me.” I maintain my level breathing and the bored appearance I have perfected over the last countless anums.

“Ah yes, that’s right,” Ryvik says with heavily laced sarcasm. “That means it would surprise you to know he’s not quite who you think he is.”