Space Invaders by Amber Kell

shouldn’t have said that out in the open hallway. His enemies would love to get their hands on that type of information. No matter how many times he reincarnated, there was always some power-hungry idiot who thought they could lead the Thresls better.
    “Don’t worry, the hallway is secure.” Nelrin’s gaze swept the area. “Any words between you won’t pass from me or my mate.”
    Friln nodded his agreement. “I won’t say anything.”
    “Nevertheless, let’s take this into our room.” Vohne pulled Kres along, slamming the door in the guards’ faces.
    “That wasn’t polite,” Kres commented.
    “I don’t want them to know everything. The fewer people who know our plans, the better our odds of winning. We don’t know who’s on our side.”
    “I still can’t believe I reincarnated,” Kres said.
    “Believe it. However, because we’ve reincarnated, some of my enemies hold long grudges. I need to reacquaint myself with my old allies and find out who’s still loyal. Over the years, people change sides and I won’t know until I see them if they’re still faithful.”
    Kres frowned. “So not all Thresls reincarnate?”
    Vohne shook his head. “Kings reincarnate—the rest of the Thresls just live extremely long lives. The oldest living Thresl is three thousand years old.”
    “Wow.” He could see Kres trying to wrap his head around that information. He tilted his head curiously. “How will you know by sight?”
    “Their scent. Deceit has a certain smell. I have the best nose in the palace, or at least I did. Those who want to destroy me will avoid me so I won’t scent their motives. It’s important that you stay by my side. I can’t lose you, and you won’t be able to sort the good people from the bad. Don’t go to anyone I haven’t approved and keep guards with you at all times.” His lover’s stubborn expression made his heart sink. “I mean it, Kres. I won’t survive if anything happens to you. A Thresl needs his mate, which is why my brother is a frozen princecicle instead of by my side. Others will try to harm you to get to me. Don’t give them the opportunity.”
    Kres gave Vohne a wicked smile. “They will find it harder than they think to kill this human.”
    Vohne nodded. “Agreed, but I’d prefer you stayed safe by my side.”
    “Really?” Kres took a step forward, his hungry eyes sweeping Vohne’s body. “Because I’d like to stay on top of you, or beneath you, or maybe even inside you. I think I was hasty in leaving our bed this morning.”
    Vohne swallowed the moisture pooling in his throat as his mate grabbed him, slamming their bodies together. As Kres kissed him with a burning fervour, Vohne’s only thought was that he loved this incarnation of his mate, he really did.
    * * * *
    Two hours later they left their rooms newly showered and dressed. Kres fidgeted beneath the formal clothes his lover had made him wear.
    “Stop wiggling,” Vohne remonstrated.
    “I can’t help it.” The clothing was restricting. The only saving grace was the high boots that let him bring his knife.
    “You need to walk like a king, not wiggle like a little boy.” Vohne took one step away from his lover as he finished talking.
    “I can still stab you from here,” Kres growled.
    The Thresl laughed. “Yeah, but you’d miss me too much.”
    The guards fell into step behind them. “You look real nice, King-Mate,” Nelrin said.
    “Thank you, Nelrin,” Kres said wryly.
    “He’s right, my mate, you look real pretty.” Vohne flashed him a wicked grin.
    “I won’t miss you when I bury you in the ground,” Kres snarled. He hated comments about his looks. He was a soldier, not a model. He gave an extra scowl towards Vohne, who responded with a smile.
    Nelrin scooted to stand protectively next to Vohne.
    “You can’t get me,” the king whispered loudly with a wink towards his mate.
    “Don’t bet on it,” Kres grumbled.
    The four men walked down the halls until they reached an