Page 44 of Claimed By the Alien Barbarian

“What?” Firion barked.

I explained, and he scanned the area. “Do you think they followed?”

I shrugged. “I believe whoever killed Weela knows I was coming here to prove my innocence, and they’re determined not to let that happen.”

“If someone thinks to harm you while you’re here, they’ll deal with me,” he said grimly. “I’m here for you, brother. Together, we’ll find out what happened, and they will be the one who is banished, not you. What happened three years ago was wrong. Weela’s murder was a tragedy, but it was compounded when Grandfather banished you.”

I was eager to find out if he’d discovered anything new. When we spoke at the clan gathering, he said he’d ask some delicate questions and share what he learned when I arrived. He’d insisted I was innocent years ago, but after asking around, he couldn’t discover who might’ve killed my first mate.

Clearing his throat, Firion nodded slowly. “You’ll stay in a guest cottage, one with a stone god’s presence to ensure you’re safe. They won’t appreciate anyone trying to hurt you.”

Would they protect me? They might believe I’d done it too. But I was glad my brother was worried about our safety.

“I’ll put you in the one on the end with the lovely view,” he added.

The nicest one of them all, the one visiting traedors stayed in. But Iwasa traedor and equal to any other. “Thank you.”

“Bags?” He took Kerry’s and looked at the ground by my feet.

“Whoever attacked me stole my pack and weapons,” I said. “They stabbed me and followed, waiting for me to die.”

“I’m so glad you’re alright.”

I rubbed my belly. “Kerry healed me.”

“He stumbled into my campsite, wounded,” she said. “He was sick for days.”

Firion’s growl ripped out. “I won’t allow anyone to harm you here.”

Could he protect me any better than I had myself? We’d see.

His brow narrowed. “I’ve heard rumors the Veerenads are creating problems, though mostly with the desert clans living near the lizard city. Is it possible you came across a rogue lizard?”

“Despite wearing a mask to disguise their face, they had blue skin and silver hair.” I tugged on one of the strands lying across my shoulder.

“Zuldruxian, then,” he hissed. “Male or female?”

“I couldn’t tell. As for the Veerenads, I’ll be happy to give you Celedar Clan input into the treaty you’re negotiating with them.”

“Thank you.”

If the Veerenads decided to attack, they’d seek those closest first, and my clan and those in my area were in their direct path. This treaty was vital, which was why my brother had taken an interest in it. At the recent clan gathering, he’d been appointed the liaison for all the clans. He’d sought input from each traedor before the meeting was over, though he and I hadn’t had a chance to speak about Celedar’s needs. Another thing I’d take care of while I was here.

“Follow me, and I’ll show you where you’ll stay.” Firion slung the strap of Kerry’s bag over his shoulder. “After breakfast tomorrow, we can talk.” His intent gaze met mine. “I have news you’ll find very interesting.”

Related to whoever killed Weela? I hoped so. I’d tried to discover who she was with while she still lived, but they’d kept their love secret. It wasn’t easy to ask questions without giving her away, and if nothing else, I cared for her as a friend. I didn’t want her to be scorned for being with someone while mated to another.

Now, if it had been Kerry, my heart would’ve been raging, and I would’ve snarled through the village until I discovered who she was with. But I was falling in love with my true mate, and I’d never loved Weela.

We followed Firion through the gate that was closed behind us. He stopped to let Kerry look around at the one- and two-story stone buildings laid out in neat rows with crushed rock paths between them.

“Hundreds of Dastalon Clan members live here,” he said proudly. “Others beyond the village walls and some on other islands.”

“Why did your clan build the wall?” she asked, her gaze filled with excitement as she looked around.

“The gods built the wall when they arrived and fused their spirits within the stone. We don’t know why; it was very long ago.”

“Fused?” She blinked. “I see.”

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