Page 7 of Aliens Love Curves

"Besides," I continue, my voice a little huskier than I intended, "isn't that what partners are for? Watching each other's backs?"

Stryker's tail swishes again, brushing against my leg. The touch, even through my uniform, sends electricity coursing through me. His chest rises and falls with a deep breath, and I realize just how close we're standing.

"You're right," he admits, a newfound respect in his eyes. "We're partners. Equal partners. But that doesn't mean I won't worry."

The admission hangs in the air between us, charged with unspoken feelings. I find myself swaying slightly towards him, drawn by some invisible force.

"Then we'll just have to trust each other," I say softly. "I've got your back if you've got mine."

Stryker nods, a slow smile spreading across his face. It's a genuine smile, not the smirk I'm used to seeing, and it transforms his features. My breath catches in my throat

"Deal," he says, extending his hand.

I take it, marveling at how my smaller hand fits into his larger one perfectly. The touch sends sparks shooting up my arm, and I see Stryker's eyes widen slightly. He feels it too.

We stand there for a moment, hands clasped, bodies close, the promise of our new partnership – and perhaps something more – hanging in the air between us.

Finally, reluctantly, we step apart. The loss of proximity is almost physical, leaving me feeling oddly bereft.

"We should, uh, start going over the mission details," Stryker says, his usual composure slightly shaken.

I nod, trying to gather my scattered thoughts. "Right. The mission. Quickening Gliders."

As we begin to discuss strategy, I can't help but steal glances at Stryker. His powerful form, the way he moves with fluid grace, the intensity in his silver eyes when he looks at me – it all combines to create a potent distraction.

This mission is going to be challenging in more ways than one. Not only do we have to infiltrate a potentially dangerous organization, but we'll have to navigate the growing attraction between us. Stryker outlines our first steps and I find myself both thrilled and terrified by the path ahead.

We begin to discuss our mission, and I can't help but wonder: is this undercover assignment the beginning of my career as an enforcer, or the start of something else entirely?

One thing's for certain – life on Ova just got a whole lot more interesting. And a lot more complicated.

Chapter 4 - Stryker

The morning after graduation dawns bright and early, but I've been awake for hours. Sleep eluded me, my mind racing with thoughts of the mission ahead - and of Casey. I shake my head, trying to focus. This is no time for distractions.

I arrive at the briefing room fifteen minutes early, only to find Casey already there, poring over a stack of detailed blueprints and a tech tablet loaded with what looks like legal documents—I'm impressed. She looks up as I enter, a smile lighting up her face.

"Morning, partner," she says, and I feel a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the Ovan sun streaming through the windows.

"Morning, Cop," I reply, falling back on the familiar nickname. "Ready to dive in?"

She nods eagerly, and I can't help but admire her enthusiasm. "I've already started on the layout of Quickening Gliders and its history. Did you know they were founded over a century ago by an Equanox-Human partnership? Talk about life imitating art."

I raise an eyebrow, impressed despite myself. "Good work. What else have you found?"

For the next few hours, we immerse ourselves in the world of Quickening Gliders. We study their product lines, from sleek racing gliders to family models. We memorize key personnel and company policies. And we learn about Harlan Mertok, the supposedly charismatic CEO who's turned the company into a galactic powerhouse.

"Mertok's interesting," Casey muses, scrolling through his biography. "Ex-glider champion, took over the company ten years ago. Since then, their profits have quadrupled." She almostlooks in awe, and my brows pull together showing my concern. I wonder if I should be worried...she is a rookie after all.

Casey looks over at me and I lose the frown and nod, turning to look over her shoulder at the screen of the tech tablet. Her proximity sends a shiver down my spine, and I have to force myself to focus on the information, and not the curve of her neck or the scent of her hair.

"Impressive," I manage. "But Chief Zara wouldn't have assigned us this mission if everything was above board. We need to find out what's really going on behind those profit margins."

Casey turns to face me, and suddenly we're nose to nose. For a moment, I forget to breathe.

"So,partner," she says, a mischievous glint in her eye, "how do you want to play this?"

I clear my throat, taking a step back to regain my composure. "Right. Our cover stories. We’d better keep our real names to avoid any slip ups. I'll be your Equanox manager. You'll be... well, you'll be you, Casey. A hotshot human pilot looking to make it big in the glider world."