Setting Fire to the Stars (a MM Sci-Fi Romance)

Chapter 18: Starblessed [M]

**Trigger Warning: Please note that this chapter contains mature themes that may be inappropriate for young readers including forced drug use, physical abuse and manipulation, non-consensual touching, and elements of sexual assault. Ages 18+ Reader discretion is advised.**

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Lauren
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"I am the Supreme Emperor of the Lyriascan Empire, Adamas Son'Raul. Your mate."

The words rang in my ears, unable to move a muscle in front of the alien's patriarch. His bony fingers, so pale they resembled decaying flesh, remained hooked under my chin. Anger burned in my chest, the heat of it simmering the blood in my veins. How dare he? He invaded my planet, massacred thousands, hunted me, kidnapped me, and then proclaimed that I'm his mate? Yeah, I think the fuck not.

Summoning my courage and mind-numbing rage, I shoved his hand off. "Why does everyone keep telling me that?" I growled, glaring as I stepped out of his reach. "Seriously, I don't know what kind of drugs you people are on, but I am not your mate. I don't even know you."

The asshole actually had the audacity to arch a brow at my words, seemingly unfazed by my exuberant outburst like I was throwing some kind of tantrum. The blond looked down on me and though he wore nothing other than the regal black suit, he wore his condescension like armor. My heel knocked against the baseboard as he silently strode towards me, boxing me in against the wall.

A flash of light caught my attention and I glimpsed the gold brooch pinned to the front of his suit. Similar to the one Synth had worn, the superior design and masterly crafted jewels embedded in it meant it must be important. Vaguely, I wondered if it could be used to gain my freedom like Synth's had for her.

"It's very simple. You are what you were always meant to be." He trailed his fingers lightly down my spine, and I recoiled. "Mine."

My lip stung as I bit down hard enough to draw blood, the iron tang heavy on my tongue as tears fill my vision. The last thing I wanted was to let him know that I was afraid of him. Showing any signs of weakness only gave him more satisfaction and more control.

Keep calm, Lauren. Don't let the pompous prick get to you.

I had to get that pin. After that, I would make him regret ever laying a fucking finger on me. "No," I growled in the most vicious tone possible, channeling my overwhelming disgust into a snarl. "I am not your fucking mate."

His palm slammed against the wall next to my head and I jerked back, his arm extending to block my path. Adamas's severe features held none of their earlier amusement, violet orbs swirling with dark vexation. "While I do find your fiery attitude charming, you would do well not to test me, my love."

My stomach plunged when he trailed his frigid mouth over the side of my throat. Chilled lips moved lower before stopping abruptly, the hairs on back of my neck rising. Panic dosed my fury when I realized that he had stopped right over the purple hickey from where Peter marked me.

An animalistic snarl rumbled deep inside as Adamas thumbed over the bruise. "Make no mistake, love. You are my second heart, and I will have it. Your heart, your body, and your soul. It is my right as your mate."

I couldn't suppress the growl at his repulsive touch, jerking away from under his grasp. I skittered back on shaky legs and attempted to run for the door but I didn't get far, an arm wrapping around my middle like an iron bar. "Let go of me, you piece of shit!" I screamed, twisting to face the crazy Emperor.