for real this time.”
My friend marches up to me and takes my wrist prisoner. She gives me a gentle tug, and I sigh in defeat.
“Fine, but you need to help me if I get extra chores for this,” I say.
She doesn’t respond and practically drags me from the washroom and down the hallway. The ruckus from the common area grows louder with every step, and the odors of incense and body sweat become stronger. On the bright side, at least I’m not the most foul-smelling thing here.
Niya ducks behind a partition with gaps in the wood, pulling me with her, and I scan the room, searching for Emji first so that this little stakeout doesn’t blow up in my face. When the dumb brute is nowhere to be found, I zero in on the prime focus.
“That’s them in the corner, wearing black,” Niya says, her words almost vibrating with excitement. “Aren’t they gorgeous?”
I follow her gaze, but I would’ve found the males anyway, since they’re by far the biggest patrons here. They sit with their backs to the wall, the tables in front and next to them empty as though they’re being given a wide berth. Maybe some of the other customers saw the same warning notices Niya did.
From this distance, it’s hard to make out their eye color or any other minute detail, and the only detectable feature from this vantage point is their black horns. They curve upward and yet gleam periodically in the light as if strewn with ribbons of molten gold. From what I can see, there’s no denying they are stunning.
Fucking hot would be more accurate.
Niya nudges me in the ribs. “Your mouth’s open, Ella.” She slides me a smug grin, and I clamp my lips with a shrug. Satisfaction all but shines in her eye when she looks at me. “Told you so. Admit it.”
I nod, roaming my gaze over their muscular bodies and handsome faces, which are framed by varying lengths of black hair that shines like obsidian. They sprawl in the chairs as though they are completely at ease, yet there’s an air of danger lurking under the sensuality of their movements.
“Wow,” I whisper. “They are…”
“I know.” Niya covers her mouth to muffle her squeal. “I’m going to take their orders. Wish me luck.”
She’s halfway across the room by the time I get my brain to function. But when it does, I frown. Are they dangerous like the ones wanted by the law, whose officers are known as Enforcers? Or was that an event that had nothing to do with these aliens’ species?
I planned on hightailing it back to the dishes waiting for me after indulging Niya, but now I’m going to stay right here until I know she’s safe. I trail her with my gaze as she makes her way to their table and strikes up a conversation. Her laughter is easily heard above the background noise, and the pitch of it rises when one of the Incarus runs his fingers along her forearm in a smooth, unhurried motion. He stares up at her, casually tossing his head so that his dark hair grazes his angular jaw, and then he smiles at her.
Although I’m not on the receiving end of his gaze, I suck in a breath and slap a hand over my chest as if that will slow my racing pulse. The sexual invitation in that look was potent and filled with promises that have me blinking in disbelief. Niya soaks in the attention, her green skin almost glowing from her delight.
A loud crash has me jerking my head to where a pack of Kejel males roar with laughter. The tallest of the stocky, furry creatures slams his paws on the table. Another plate crashes onto the wooden floor and shatters, adding to their amusement. Niya catches my gaze, hers wide with panic, and waves her hand in a discreet shooing motion.
I back up just as Emji walks from behind the bar and makes his way to the Kejels, who are intent on destroying anything within reach. After pivoting, I dash back to the warm washroom and snatch up a soiled plate, vigorously scrubbing it to make up for the time I lost watching those miscreants.
Inwardly I grin. Seeing the Incarus was worth it. Stupid but worth it.
“Human!”
With great care, I set down the now clean plate and turn to face Emji. He wastes no time and all but screams in my face as if it’s my fault that some