Page 6 of Aliens Love Curves

"And now," Zara continues, a hint of a smile on her usually stern face, "your custom-designed laser gun."

My breath catches as she hands me the weapon. It's sleek, perfectly balanced, and unmistakably tailored to my unique physiology. As I holster it, I catch Stryker's eye in the audience. There's a look of pride there that makes my heart skip a beat.

But the surprises aren't over. As the last graduate receives their badge, Chief Zara steps forward again.

"This year, we're doing something different," she announces. "Our top graduates will be assigned to special missions, putting their skills to the test immediately."

A ripple of excitement runs through the crowd. Special missions? This is unprecedented.

"When I call your name along with the Enforcer you will be partnered with, please step forward for your assignment," Zara continues. She reads through a list, and with each name, my hope of being chosen dwindles.

Then, just as I'm resigning myself to a standard patrol assignment: "Casey Onyx Peace and trainer Stryker."

My head snaps up. Did I hear that right? I lock eyes with Stryker across the room, seeing my own shock mirrored in his expression.

As the ceremony concludes, Stryker and I are directed to a private briefing room. The tension between us is palpable as we sit side-by-side, our shoulders almost touching, as we wait for our mission details.

Chief Zara enters, her expression grave. "What I'm about to tell you is strictly confidential," she begins. "You've been chosen for an undercover operation of the highest importance."

I lean forward, my curiosity piqued. Undercover work wasn't part of our training – this is big.

"Your mission," Zara continues, "is to infiltrate Quickening Gliders."

I can't help the small gasp that escapes me. Quickening Gliders is the most prestigious racing organization on Ova. Every young glider pilot dreams of joining their ranks.

"We have reason to believe they're involved in more than just racing," Zara explains. "Your job is to get inside, gather evidence, and report back. You'll pose as new recruits – a hotshot human pilot and her Equanox manager."

My mind reels with the implications. Undercover work. With Stryker. Posing as... what? Partners?

I sneak a sideways glance at him, finding his silver eyes already on me. There's a heat in his gaze that sends a shiver down my spine.

"You'll receive detailed briefings over the next day or two," Zara is saying, but I'm only half listening. "For now, familiarize yourselves with your cover stories. You leave within the week."

Zara salutes us and we jump to our feet, mirroring the salute. She exits, leaving Stryker and me alone. The air seems to crackle with unspoken tension. This is it – the start of my career as an enforcer, a chance to prove myself... and an opportunity to spend extensive time in close quarters with the one person who's been driving me to distraction for months.

"Well, Cop," Stryker says, his deep voice sending another shiver through me, "looks like I’m no longer above you in rank...it appears we're now equal."

I meet his gaze, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling in my stomach. "Looks like it...partner."

The word hangs between us, loaded with possibility.

Stryker clears his throat, his tail swishing behind him in a way that draws my eye. He takes a step closer, and I find myself acutely aware of the heat radiating from his body.

"We need to discuss the parameters of this mission," he says, his tone slipping into the authoritative one I know so well from training. "As your superior—"

"Formersuperior," I interject, unable to help myself. "We're partners now, remember?"

Stryker's eyes narrow, but I swear I see the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "As yourseniorpartner, then," he continues, "I need to stress the importance of following protocol. This isn't a training exercise, Cop. The dangers are real."

I feel a prickle of irritation at his words. "I'm well aware of that,sir," I reply, injecting just a hint of sarcasm into the honorific. "I didn't graduate top of our class by ignoring risks."

Stryker takes another step closer, and I have to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. His proximity is intoxicating, his scent – a mix of ozone and something uniquely him – filling my senses.

"This isn't about your capabilities, Casey," he says, his voice softer now. My name on his lips sends a jolt through me. "You're a fledgling enforcer, and this mission... it's dangerous. I need to know you'll prioritize your safety."

The concern in his eyes catches me off guard. I feel my expression softening, even as I stand my ground. "I appreciate the concern, Stryker, but I'm quite capable of taking care of myself. I didn't survive your brutal training regime just to fall at the first hurdle."

As I speak, I unconsciously lean in, my body betraying my attraction even as my words push back against his protectiveness. Stryker's gaze flickers down to my lips for a fraction of a second, and I feel a rush of heat through my body.