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

Chapter 18: Starblessed [M]

**Trigger Warning: 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 my blood.

How dare he? They invaded my planet, massacred thousands, hunted me, kidnapped me, and then this fuck nugget says that I'm his mate? Was I stuck in some weird BDSM smut novel?

Yeah, I think the fuck not.

Summoning courage through mind-numbing rage, I shoved his hand off. "Why does everyone keep telling me that?" I glared, stepping 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 brow. The monarch seemed unfazed by my exuberant outburst, frowning like I was a kid throwing a tantrum. Though he wore nothing other than the regal black suit, his condescension covered him like a cloak. The man strode towards me, my heel knocking against the baseboard when I backed away, his larger body boxing me in against the wall. A flash of yellow caught my attention, my eyes landing on the gold brooch pinned to the left side of his chest. Similar to the one Synth had worn, it was a starburst of golds, inlaid with blackened tears of onyx and silver. I the center was a carved symbol I didn't recognize. Was this brooch a key to the door like Synth's?

"It's very simple. You are what you were always meant to be," the Emperor drawled, trailing his fingers lightly down my spine. "Mine."

My lip stung as I bit down hard enough to draw blood, the iron tang strong enough to fight back the surge of tears. 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. You've dealt with assholes like him before. Don't let the pompous prick get to you.

For just a moment, my eyes lingered on the gold trinket pinned to his suit, a plan formulating in my head. Get the pin. Make a run for it. Taking a full breath, I squared my shoulders. "No," I said clearly, thankful my voice held strong. "I am not your fucking mate."

His palm slammed against the wall next to my head, causing me to jerk back, his extended forearm blocking my escape. Adamas's severe features held none of their earlier amusement, pale eyebrows drawn tightly together, those violet orbs swirling with dark displeasure. "While I do find your fiery attitude charming, my love, you would do well not to test the limits of my patience."

My stomach plunged when he dipped his head to trail his frigid mouth over the side of my throat. His breath hit my skin, roving lower before he stopped, the hairs on back of my neck rising. Unlike Peter's touch, this man's only brought nausea and a fresh flood of fear. Panic doused all thoughts when I realized that he had halted right over the deep purple hickey Peter had left.

An animalistic snarl rumbled through his chest as Adamas thumbed over the bruise. "Who dares to heave this revolting claim on my mate?" he demanded, the sharp edge of his teeth grazing the sensitive skin. "I will kill anyone who touches you. Make no mistake. You are my second heart, and I will have it. Your heart and your body. It is my birthright."