Page 70 of Treasured By the Alien Rogue

“I think your mother is right about meat,” I said.

“See?” Gerain gave me a nod of approval. “But we didn’t come here to discuss meat or drettires or cuddles. We came here to discuss tea.”

“Yes, about that,” I said. “I’m not sure yet how I’ll steep my herbs, let alone serve them. I’m going to ask Alexa for help with that.”

Floosar’s unibrow lifted. “Alexa?"

“I know it sounds odd, but I’ve named Xax’s house god.” Would they be insulted by such a thing? On Earth, many would be, but the Zuldruxians didn’t appear to see Alexa in the same way Earthlings did whatever god they worshiped. Alexa was more of a helpmate than a deity.

“Why would you bother?” Gerain asked.

“Why not? I asked if she had a name, and when I got the impression she didn’t, I came up with this one.” I wasn’t going to explain who Alexa was on Earth. “I also opted to call her a she, which she seems to approve of as much as her name.”

Gerain’s fingers fluttered near her throat. “I can’t imagine doing such a thing.”

Today, she wore a long tunic belted in at her waist. A smaller version of Xax’s vine spear was secured in a sheath at her waist.

Frankly, she looked badass wearing it, and I needed to talk to Xax about how I could commune with the vines to have them make something like that for me. I didn’t like feeling defenseless. He’d also have to teach me how to use a knife, but I suspected he’d be happy to do it. He wouldn’t always be with me to provide defense, and this world was dangerous.

“There’s no reason you need to call her Alexa,” I said.

Floosar’s head tilted, and she rose from her stool. Like all the other Zuldruxians, she towered over me, and I was five-eight. The two females were a little shorter than the males I’d met so far, but on Earth, everyone would stare at their majestic height. Well, they’d also stare at their blue skin and gorgeous silver hair. “I like this. I’m going to address her in this way from now on.”

“The young,” Gerain said with a sigh. “Traditions are falling away much too quickly. We must treat our god with respect, daughter.”

“Having a way to address her is showing her respect, don’t you think?” Floosar shot a shy smile my way.

“I believe it does.”

“Hmm.” Gerain continued to frown. “I’ll consider this. Until then . . .” She lifted a basket from the ground near her feet and placed it on the table. “We gathered four different herbs for you to try.”

“I need to dry them first,” I said, leaning close to examine them. Plucking a leaf off one of the stalks, I rubbed it between my fingers and sniffed the pungent aroma it released. “It smells wonderful. They’re all edible?”

“Of course.” At least Gerain didn’t sound affronted. “We’d never bring you anything we couldn’t consume. This one,” she waved to the leaf I still held, “is a savory herb we use to flavor meat, but this one . . .” She pulled a stalk from the basket and held it out. “It has a sweeter flavor you might enjoy for a tea.”

“What do you use it for otherwise?” I sniffed the stalk, taking in the minty scent. “It’s lovely.”

Gerain beamed. “We will only bring you the best. We use that one to add a subtle flavor to fruit for a dessert.”

“I’ll dry these and make tea soon. Would you like to be here to sample my first batches?”

“Yes, I believe that would be good.” Gerain rose. “We have things to gather in the woods today. If we come across other herbs we feel would be suitable for a drink, we’ll collect them. Please tell Xax we appreciate his meat offering. He’s paid enough for at least three more herb gatherings, don’t you think, Floosar?”

The younger female nodded. “Yes, three or even four.”

“We must be frugal with the supply,” Gerain said sternly, though her eyes twinkled when she turned them my way. “Nothing beats good meat. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“You’re right. I love good meat.”

As the left, it was all I could do not to burst out in laughter.

The elder didn’t return that day.

Xax and I spent the night together, and the next morning, I returned to my tea shop while he walked into the woods. He returned in the afternoon, his skin gleaming with sweat and a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

“Could you come with me?” Xax asked.

“Sure. Where are we going?” Standing, I scooped Maverick up off the table where I’d placed him. He was munching on grass, something Alexa said he enjoyed, but he seemed happy to be perched on my shoulder once more.

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