Page 14 of Cherished By the Alien Outlaw

“Like everywhere, yes.”

“Everything’s varying shades of green where I come from. Well, mostly. Close enough.”

I’d heard that from the other women. “I can’t imagine such a thing.”

“I would’ve agreed with you on purple, but I’ve seen it.”

“If we travel from the mainland, we take a vine up to the top of the main island where most of my clan live. We have lush vegetation there, trees, deep grass, flowers, and gardens. Most have built within the stone walls surrounding our small city, where we commune with our gods.”

“The stone gods,” she said.

“Yes. Our gods prepare food for us and provide clothing. Weapons. Many things.”

“How is that possible?”

“It just is. It’s always been that way.”

“I’m tired. I want to hear everything, but I can barely keep my eyes open.”

“Then let’s get you back to bed.”

“Yes, bed.” I sensed she stood. “No paper. I can dripdry but eventually, this isn’t going to be pretty.” The last of her words came out jagged. “Fuck. Why should it matter if I stink? It might keep the lizards away.”

Was she crying? I wouldn’t blame her if she was. She had every right to be frightened and sad.

When she started back toward the bunk, her cry rang out.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I just . . .” She cut off a sob. “I scraped my hand on the wall.”

“Let me help you?”

“I should do this on my own.”

“Why, when I’m here, offering to help?”

“Because . . .” I swore her body shuddered. “Alright. Thank you. I’ll take your offer of help because I’m so freaking weak.” Utter defeat came through in her voice.

“I’m going to carry you.”

“It’s only a few feet.”

Her people measured by how long their feet were? Wouldn’t that vary based on the person? No matter. I lifted her and strode to the bunk, where I gently laid her on the surface.

“I wish I could shower,” she said, sniffing. “I reek now, and it’s only going to get worse. We have to drink what they give us. We can’t use it to wash up.”

One of the other women had mentioned a shower, which was a form of bathing. I’d try to find something like that for her here, though I didn’t have much hope I’d find it. Mine wasn’t oneof the water gods, although . . .

“Sleep,” I said softly, leaning over to stroke her forehead. Cool. Good. “I’ll watch over you.”

“Lay on the bunk with me? I meant my earlier offer.”

I couldn’t breathe for an instant. Then I realized she was scared. She wasn’t asking me, her fated mate, to lay with her. Anyone who offered protection would do.

It didn’t matter. I was hers, and I’d give anything to help her feel safe if only for one moment.

“I’ll have to lay beneath you,” I said. “The bunk is too narrow for us to lie side by side.”

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