Page 75 of An Alien for the Future

I understand, because I, too, was once lost.

As we approach the farm, I feel a mix of emotions. This place holds so many memories now—our first meeting, the days spentworking side by side, the growing attraction between us. And now, we return as mates.

But…how do I fit into this world she’s created? Does she truly see me living here, in her lodge?

The transport slows to a stop in front of the cottage, its vibrant walls a beacon against the backdrop of the orange fields, and Donna turns to me.

“Welcome home, Tovan.” Her smile is filled with a warmth that melts away my apprehension.

“Come on,” she says, her hand clasped in mine as I open her door. “I’ll show you where you can put your things.”

We’re walking down into the yard when movement catches my eye. A large male coming from the side of the cottage. The bale of grass feed he’s balanced on his shoulder is slowly placed on the ground as he faces us.

“Good sol, kahlesta.” Arnak’s uncertainty is reflected in his grin. “Tovan.” He dips his head.

“Arnak.” Donna walks over to him and I watch her, awe in my eyes that this little female has turned my life completely around. I am no longer a lone male. I live on a farm now. I have a female. A mate. I have a life now. “Thank you so much for stepping in on the farm when we couldn’t. You really didn’t have to go through the trouble. I’m so sorry we had to burden you so.”

Arnak’s gaze shifts to me for a split click before he grins more naturally, displaying both his fangs. “It was no trouble, kahlesta. I will always be at your service.”

Donna chuckles before turning toward the lodge. “Yeah, until you find your mate, I’m sure.”

Arnak blinks so many times I think something is caught in his eyes. “My mate…”

Donna pauses and smiles, her gaze shifting to him once more. “You seem like a man with a good heart. I have a good feeling about this.”

As she walks into the lodge Arnak turns his confused gaze to me. I shrug. “Believe her,” I say. “My mate is wise.”

He still has that stunned look on his face as I head in after my mate.

We’re there for maybe half a sol when the others arrive.

Donna’s friends—Catherine, Xarion, Varek, Eleanor, and Zynar all crowd into the small lodge. Their relief at seeing Donna safe and happy is palpable even though I remain tense. When Zynar and Varek Korruk pull me into a brotherly embrace, it feels like the world shifts once more on its axis.

In all my orbits, I cannot remember ever having a family such as this.

Arnak comes in and Donna serves everyone bluebread and “froot tee”. Soon, the air fills with laughter and light-hearted conversation.

“Right, Tovan,” the Saffion, Xarion, says, his ear tips twitching in humor, “I hope you’re prepared for a lifetime of Donna’s stubbornness and terrible jokes.”

Donna feigns offense with an audible gasp, but her eyes sparkle with mirth. “My jokes are delightful, thank you very much.”

I chuckle, my arm tightening around Donna’s waist. “I find everything about Donna delightful.”

The humans make sounds in their throats, with Catherine and Eleanor’s pigments becoming increasingly red. I stare at them in alarm, but their mates don’t seem anxious.

Arnak is the one who speaks. “I have never, once in my existence, heard Tovan speak like that.” That makes the others laugh, but I don’t care.

“I will say it again and again,” I nuzzle Donna’s ear. “My mate is delightful. I would savor her now if—”

Arnak, Xarion, and I’m sure some of the others groan before the whole room explodes with laughter.

But as the visit winds down, I notice a slight furrow in Donna’s brow. When her friends are preparing to leave, after Eleanor mentions something about her harvest coming in, Donna mentions, almost offhandedly, “I’m still trying to figure it all out, too, you know. Getting the farm to work, making ends meet.”

There’s a moment of concerned silence before Catherine speaks up. “You know we’re here if you need anything, right?”

Donna nods. “Of course. Thank you.”

After her companions and Arnak leave, I take a deep breath. It’s time for a conversation I’ve been both anticipating and dreading. “Donna, there’s something I need to tell you.”

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