An Alien for Christmas (Khanavai Warrior Bride Games Book 15) by Margo Bond Collins

Author:Margo Bond Collins [Bond Collins, Margo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dangerous Words Publishing
Published: 2023-12-07T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

JAVVIL

The auditorium buzzed with excitement, the air thick with anticipation. I stood in the grooms’ section, watching as Faith navigated her way through the sea of brides.

“All right, gather around,” she called out. The brides immediately huddled around her, their colorful dresses painting a festive scene. I couldn’t help but be drawn to her energy, her effortless charisma captivating everyone in the room. “As you all know,” she continued, “unlike in earlier Games, no one will indicate a preference in mates until you’ve all had an opportunity to interact with each other. And this time, the women’s requests will be as important as the Khanavai males’ preferences.” She narrowed her eyes as she looked around. “Your choices must be mutual.”

As Faith went over the rules for the Bride Games, I found it increasingly difficult to focus on anything but her. It was then that I realized just how different she was from the contestants vying for my attention. While they were beautiful and exotic, none of them could compare to the human female who had unknowingly stolen my heart.

But how could I pursue her? I was here to find a mate among these contestants, to fulfill my duty as a Khanavai. I ached as I considered the potential consequences of defying those expectations, the backlash from both our cultures.

“Are you all right?” asked one of the other grooms, a green Khanavai who’d introduced himself as Atovin.

“Fine,” I replied curtly, forcing myself to turn away from Faith and face him. “Just lost in thought.”

“Ah, choosing a bride can be overwhelming,” he said, nodding sagely. “Take your time. You’ll know when you’ve found the one.”

I knew he meant well, but his words only served to deepen the pit in my stomach. I had already found the one, but she wasn’t among the contestants. She was standing on the other side of the room, her laughter like music to my ears.

“Attention, everyone,” Faith’s voice rang out, commanding the room once more. The brides and grooms fell silent, all eyes on her as she prepared to announce the first challenge of the Games. Her gaze met mine for a brief instant, and I felt a jolt of electricity course through me.

Was it possible that she felt the same pull?

I knew then that I had to find a way to be with her.

Even if it meant defying tradition, facing disapproval, and risking everything I had ever known, I couldn’t deny my feelings any longer. My heart belonged to Faith, and I would make her mine.

As the Games began and the first challenge commenced—the blindfolded tree decorating contest—I stole glances at Faith. Each time our eyes met, my resolve strengthened. Somehow, some way, I would make her see just how much she meant to me.

The twinkling lights and festive decorations adorning the hall could not compare to the radiant beauty of Faith as she moved through the room, her golden hair shimmering. I noticed how her laughter made others join in, spreading joy and merriment all around her.

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