Page 71 of Claimed By the Alien Barbarian

“I want to help catch them,” Khol said. “And after it’s over, I’m going to leave for a while. I can’t stay here any longer.” His gaze met mine. “I was wrong to believe you’d done it, but I hope all of this will make up for that and for being with her.”

“Now that I have Kerry,” I tugged my mate against my side, “I understand.”

Time had passed and my anger with her and her lover had faded along with it. If I was in the same position, and it was Kerry, I’m not sure I’d be able to behave in a different way. My heart and soul would keep seeking her until we were finally together.

“Thank you.” Khol turned to Firion. “I’m going to pack and leave. I’ll notify my family that I’ll be back one day, though I don’t know when that might be. Thank you for listening and for not chastising me.” He gulped, and his eyes shimmered with tears again. How he must’ve mourned her over the past three years. I could only feel sorrow for them both.

“I’ll wait with Molly,” Kerry said.

We’d already decided she shouldn’t be a part of catching the murderer, that she’d not only be safer behind a locked door, but that it should only be me confronting them with Firion and our elder hiding nearby to overhear our conversation.

I hugged Khol. We’d all lost, but he and Weela most of all. I’d survived my banishment. Not only that, but I’d also thrived and was a stronger male from the experience. I was a clan traedor. My people respected me, as did Helena.

And I had Kerry walking into my future at my side.

“Thank you,” he whispered. After giving Firion a long look, he left.

Would I ever see him again? I wasn’t sure. I hoped once he’d found peace, he stopped at my clan for a visit. While I was dismayed about what happened, I understood, and I’d already forgiven him.

We left, Firion going to find the elder and Kerry and I hurrying through the village. Inside our temporary home, I patted Molly and gave Kerry a kiss.

My heart sung with joy. Soon, this would be over, and we could go on with our lives. I couldn’t wait to return to the Celedar Clan and tell my clansmales what happened. Any who wished to return to the Dastalon Clan could, but I hoped most would decide to remain in the forest with me and my new mate.

“Gods?” I said as I stepped out through the open doorway and onto the path. “Please lock the door and keep my mate safe.”

“Be careful,” Kerry said, joining me to give me one last hug.

Her worried gaze remained on me as she stepped back inside our small home and the door shut. A snick whispered through the air, telling me that the gods had secured the panel.

My heart and steps heavy, I strode toward Firion’s office where we’d meet up with the elder, then put the rest of the plan in place.

In a short time, this part of my life would be over.

Chapter 35

Kerry

After Nevarn left, I asked the gods to prepare a late lunch and took it and my drink out to enjoy on the deck overlooking the sea. Molly scampered along with me, flopping by my feet to soak up the late-day sunshine.

I couldn’t believe this would soon be over. We’d stay a few days after, but then we’d travel together to the Celedar Clan. I was eager to see my new home and settle into Nevarn’s house with him. Imagine, living inside a tree. Would it smell like fresh wood or . . .? Soon, I’d find out.

I’d asked for a simple dish of vegetables and grains, and the gods delivered. The meal had a light spice unlike anything I’d tasted before, and I gobbled most of it up, tossing a few bites Molly’s way.

She snatched each bit of vegetable from the air and held it in her little paws, munching while her whiskers wiggled.

“You’re such a sweetie,” I cooed as I lowered my empty plate to the stone deck surface. I didn’t even gulp when it was absorbed into the rock. How long before I took the gods’ intervention in our everyday lives for granted?

“Thank you,” I told the gods. “That was delicious.” Praise was a small price to pay for a good meal and nice clothing.

I sat back in my chair and propped my feet up on the railing and dozed. Nevarn would be here soon, and I couldn’t wait to hear how the confrontation went. To think that—

Molly yipped, and with her eyes blazing, she scrambled off the deck, flinging herself into the room.

My heart flipped over. I leaped to my feet and started toward the room.

A male Zuldruxian jumped off the roof, landing on the stone between me and safety.

Gilard, Weela’s father, latched onto my arms and shook me. “You’re coming with me,” he growled. “Your mate will stop asking questions about Weela’s death when I kill you and he’s accused of murdering two mates.”

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