27. Chapter 27

The alley is quiet again, but there is a faint scent of blood in the air. Maybe I'm imagining it, knowing Zil got injured.

I let out a sigh, still hugging him, soaking in his warmth. I like how he smells. He makes me feel safe.

He strokes my back. "Hazel... If you want to leave, go now. Those beings are probably still nearby."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"I... I don't. but if you want to leave, it's okay. I understand we have very different lifestyles and wants."

"But I want to stay with you."

"Do you?" He flinches and holds me closer. "It is okay if you don't."

"You just want me to be happy."

"Yes."

My heart squeezes at that. I know he has been trying to help me. I also have been feeling something for him all along. "What if the captain—"

He presses a finger on my lips. "No, don't talk about him. Don't think about anyone else. Do you want to be my mate? Just you and I?"

"I'm nervous. What will happen next? I don't want to see you injured."

"I don't even want to be thinking about that and entertaining the possibility."

He strokes my back, letting out a sigh. "Thank you, but you know that's my job."

"I do, and that's why I'm torn."

He holds me without saying anything. Maybe he also knows there's nothing he can say or do to make it different.

Am I overthinking it?

He strokes my back. The tension in him makes it tempting to say something. Our bodies are touching each other, but the silence between us is so heavy that it can crush me.

How bad can it be?

Zil already showed me he cares about me more times than I can imagine. I want to be with him too. There's always risk in life, anyway...

I was at my stall in a space station and things could still happen to me, so...

I like how happy he is when I cook something for him. And also the other uzains. Maybe this isn't going to be too bad.

He is still quiet, probably waiting, or hoping the moment will last if that means we'll get more time with each other.

"Zil."

"Yes." The tension in his voice screams at me. He is so tense that he may snap.

"I think... I want to be with you. And be your mate."

He scowls and doesn't seem to believe that. That's not what I expected. "Are you sure about that? I live a dangerous life."

I nod. "I don't know how much I like the risk, but I like you enough for that."

"Really?"

I kiss him, tasting his hot lips. Whatever urges and draws me to him buzzes in me again. The warmth in me feels right. I'm jumping headfirst into this now. I don't regret it.

He takes my breath away. I've never imagined myself falling for him. He is a big guy and he gives the best hug in the whole universe.

Maybe everything happened for a reason.

I won't have my stall back and everything will be different from what I planned, but maybe that's better than what I can plan for myself and better than if I take control of every situation.

I move to take his lips better. he wraps his arms around me, pulling me off the floor and against the wall again. He devours me and I love that.

He gasps when he breaks the kiss. "If only we weren't here in some creepy alley."

I snort a laugh. Heat pools in my stomach and I agree with him. "You can't help yourself."

"Maybe. And maybe that's your fault."

He is so cute.

I pat his chest. "Silly you. Now, you're stuck with me."

"Same for you. But you have such a strong uzain to protect you now."

I don't think I need anyone to protect me, but I guess I'll let him be cocky.

He lets go of me and puts my feet on the floor again. "Here, let's head back there if you want to go with me."

"Sure, I'll be with you, any place."

I hold his big uzain hand again. His hand is warm, almost hot. A hand I'd hold till forever.