Page 62 of Claimed By the Alien Barbarian

Kerry

“Nevarn. Kerry. There you are.” I turned to find Firion striding over to stand at the end of our table. He gave us both a smile.

Such a gorgeous guy. Not as cute as Nevarn, but no one was. Still, his brother was pretty sweet. Maybe the gods would decide he deserved a mate as well.

I still wasn’t sure what I thought about them kidnapping us and bringing us here, but as far as I was concerned, it had turned out better than I could’ve ever imagined.

Firion’s attention landed on my nearly empty plate. “Just finishing the morning meal, I see. Is everything going well?”

“So far,” Nevarn said. “I’m finished, Kerry. You?”

“Yes.” I pushed my plate away, and both mine and his slithered into the stone surface before it smoothed as if our meals hadn’t just sat in front of us.

We both stood, and Nevarn rounded the table to stand with me.

“Do you have time to meet with me?” Firion asked Nevarn.

Nevarn put his arm around my waist. “We do.”

Firion dipped his head my way, his gaze full of respect. “I don’t believe this will appeal to you, Kerry, though you’re welcome to join us. It relates to the Veerenads. Their king sent an emissary to begin negotiations for a treaty with our clans to exchange goods and services, and I’m putting together the initial proposal. I’d love to hear your thoughts if it’s something that interests you.”

I wasn’t particularly intrigued by treaty negotiations. “I could go back to our room and play with Molly.”

“Let me take Kerry there and I’ll join you,” Nevarn told his brother.

I could hang out there or I could ask some questions. People might be more willing to talk with me than Nevarn.

“Would you mind if I wandered around the village instead?” I asked. “Assuming it’s safe for me to do so.”

So far, there’d been no evidence our follower had joined us on the island, though we’d be foolish to think they hadn’t. But it was daytime. I’d remain near other people and once I returned to our temporary home, I’d lock the door behind me.

“I’d love to do some browsing through the shops,” I added. “Embroidered tops and dresses sound lovely.”

“I understand why you might hesitate,” Firion told Nevarn. “While no one in my clan would dream of harming her, I’d be happy to send someone with her. A guard, if you will.” His voice deepened, and a flinty look appeared in his eyes. “Well armed.”

“This won’t take long, will it?” Nevarn said, his voice tinged with concern.

“An hour or so? Not longer,” Firion said.

Nevarn’s face cleared. “That should be fine.” He took my hands, squeezing them. “You’ll remain in the market?”

Around others, he meant.

“I won’t take any risks,” I said.

Firion walked over to a nearby table and spoke to Khol, Nevarn’s childhood friend I’d met yesterday. Khol’s gaze met mine, and he nodded. Rising, he walked over to us.

“Khol will be happy to escort you around the market or wherever you’d like to go,” Firion said.

“Thank you,” I told them both.

Khol dipped his head forward before turning to Nevarn. “No one will cause her harm while I’m with her,” he said grimly.

“Word has already spread that Nevarn is here with his human mate,” Firion added, his voice light. “I believe you’ll find most behave in a welcoming manner, Kerry. Ignore the rest.” He pressed his fist against his chest. “And if any misbehave, Khol will let me know, and I’ll speak with them. I was one of the traedors who traveled to speak with the gods, and I had full approval of my clan before leaving. We’re all eager to add women to our village and find mates among them, and an insult to one of you is an insult to me.”

I gave him a quick hug, and he patted my back.

Nevarn rubbed Khol’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

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