Alien Insertion: An Alien Warrior Romance (The Tuorin Legacy Book 4) by Immortal Angel

1
Ande’ie
    We arrive back at the castle, and I follow Juordin’s warrior stride across the docking bay. His long brown-and-gold hair makes me itch to run my fingers through it. And I can tell his saliva is working on me, because my chest and stomach have started to tingle at odd times, even when we’re not kissing.
    You’re even developing the mating marks. I trace my fingers lightly over my belly where the golden tattoo has slowly begun to take shape. It’s beautiful, and the strong lines remind me of my warrior.
    I’m proud that he’s marked me. It means that no matter what, he will always be a part of me. And it gives me something to focus on, other than the toxin slowly making its way through his body.
    Stop it! Focus on today. On this moment!
    Juordin’s father meets in the same room we’d gathered in before, along with the three scientists I’d seen last time. A large, rectangular table is set up in the center of the room, surrounded by sturdy but comfortable chairs. But unlike before, no one is seated. They’re gathered in the space by the head of the table. The significance of what we are about to do creates tension and excitement so high it is as if we are spellbound.
    It’s strange. Just a short time ago these people had given up all hope. But now, instead of focusing on dying, they’re focused on living long enough to kill their enemies. It’s a nice change.
    Juordin’s father looks down at the blinking glass thing in front of him. “Juordin. Ande’ei,” he greets us. “Your departure is scheduled for two hours from now.”
    He gestures to the scientist and the two women on his team. “Redonim and his team are going with you. You may need their expertise to insert the malworm into the Ardak technology.”
    Juordin turns to them. “Redonim, Shimi, Helena, I appreciate you coming along. Your knowledge will be invaluable on this mission.”
    His words surprise me. Most of the men I’ve met have been different…more reserved. But Juordin isn’t afraid to speak from his heart. It’s a quality I love about him.
    Redonim inclines his head but remains silent. He looks nervous, almost reluctant.
    The one Juordin had called Helena replies, “Speaking for myself, I’m very much looking forward to the trip. It’s much better than simply waiting around to…” Her words trail off and she swallows.
    My throat constricts. What must it be like for them, knowing that soon they will die? As dangerous a mission as this is, I can imagine her plight. Anything would be better than sitting around, waiting for the toxin to take me. It’s what I would do.
    Even though these people are aliens to me, I realize that we are really very much the same.
    Juordin’s father clears his throat, and I realize we’ve all been silent, the meaning behind Helena’s words washing over us like a powerful wave. The door opens and his face lights up. “Ahhh. In addition, I have the leaders of the two teams you asked for.”
    Two blond warriors enter the room, coming to stand at the head of the table next to us. The others subtly move out of the way, letting them through.
    Juordin turn to face them, and his mouth turns down in a frown. “Casin. Corin. What are you two doing here?”
    The two men have matching long blond hair and devilish glints in their glowing green eyes. It’s obvious they’re twins. And if this world is anything like Lla’ei, these handsome men have probably been breaking hearts almost since they were born.
    “We can’t let you kill all the cats and take all the glory, can we?” says the man on the left, elbowing his brother.
    “Do you really want to send all three of us?” Juordin asks his father.
    His father gives a curt nod. “We might as well send the best.”
    “We thought about bringing Ferrodin, as well.” Casin laughs. “Why not end the whole line of succession in one fell swoop?”
    “But he’s too young for a sword.” The man on the left punches Juordin in the arm. “Plus, cousin,